• Skip to Content
  • Skip to Main Navigation
  • Skip to Local Navigation
  • Skip to Search
  • Skip to Sitemap
  • Skip to Footer

Rock Sandpiper

Calidris ptilocnemis ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: SCOLOPACIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Rock Sandpiper Photo

© Brian L. Sullivan

A stocky shorebird of the rocky Pacific Coast, the Rock Sandpiper winters farther north than any other North American shorebird.

Appearance

Shorebirds
Shorebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Plump, medium-sized shorebird. Medium-length bill, with slight droop at end. Short, yellow legs. Mostly dark. Broad white stripe in wings.

Immature Description

Juvenile scaly all over back, with reddish on shoulders, chest white whitish with heavy streaks and spots.

Range Map Help

Rock Sandpiper Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

  • Breeding Dunlin similarly patterned, but has redder back, more solid dark patch lower down on the belly, has longer, more slender bill, and dark legs.
  • Purple Sandpiper very similar, but the ranges of the two species do not normally overlap. Breeding Rock Sandpiper has dark patch on belly; Purple Sandpiper's belly is white. Nonbreeding Purple Sandpiper is darker than Rock Sandpiper, with brighter bill base and legs.
  • Surfbird with stout bill and white tail with black tip.

    ×

    Search

    Or Browse Bird Guide by Family, Name or Shape
    ×
    bird image Blue-winged Warbler by Brian Sullivan

    Receive bird news, tips, and information about Lab projects.

    The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds, birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation. You can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell or give your email address to others.

    ×

    What is your favorite species?

    The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds, birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation. You can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell or give your email address to others.