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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: SCOLOPACIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

An abundant small shorebird, the Semipalmated Sandpiper breeds in the Arctic and winters along the coasts of South America.

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Appearance

Shorebirds
Shorebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Small sandpiper. Short neck. Moderately long bill, may droop slightly at tip. Moderately long legs. Black center of rump and tail. Legs black. Back gray-brown. Chest usually only lightly marked. Short webbing between toes (hard to see).

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but with more scaly pattern on back.

Range Map Help

Semipalmated Sandpiper Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult male breeding
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    Semipalmated Sandpiper

    Adult male breeding
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Nome, Alaska, June 2000
  • Adult
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    Semipalmated Sandpiper

    Adult
    • Molting into nonbreeding plumage
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Jamaica Bay, New York, September 2000
  • Juvenile
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    Semipalmated Sandpiper

    Juvenile
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Jamaica Bay, New York, September 2000
  • Juvenile
    Zoom In

    Semipalmated Sandpiper

    Juvenile
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Jamaica Bay, New York, September 2000
  • Chick
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    Semipalmated Sandpiper

    Chick
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Arctic NWR, Alaska

Similar Species

  • Western Sandpiper very similar, but usually has longer, more drooping bill.
  • Least Sandpiper has a more reddish back, more distinct markings on the chest, and yellow legs.