Sanderling Photo Gallery
Breeding adult
Plump sandpiper with a stout black bill. Breeding birds have rusty mottling on the back, head, and breast. Note unmarked sides and black legs.
© Jonathan Lugo / Macaulay LibraryVirginia, May 26, 2016Nonbreeding adult
Plump sandpiper with a stout black bill. Nonbreeding birds are pale gray above and white below without streaking. Darker shoulder bar sometimes visible.
© Ryan Schain / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, November 16, 2014Juveniles
Forages at the water's edge, typically on sandy beaches during winter; often found inland during migration.
© DAVID BROWN / Macaulay LibraryNew York, October 01, 2004Not all videos have soundJuvenile
Juveniles have a checkered back and unmarked white underparts.
© Jonathan Eckerson / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, September 02, 2016Nonbreeding adult
In flight, note dark leading edge of the wing from above and all white wings from below.
© John P Richardson / Macaulay LibraryMinnesota, May 02, 2017Breeding adult
Breeding adults have varying amounts of rusty wash on the upperparts. Note stout black bill and clean white underparts.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryNew York, June 01, 2015Breeding adult
Plump shorebird with a stout black bill and black legs. Breeding birds have rusty mottled upperparts.
© Alex Eberts / Macaulay LibraryOhio, May 27, 2017Juvenile
Juveniles have speckled backs and unmarked white underparts.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryNew York, September 10, 2014Nonbreeding adult
Scurries back and forth chasing waves while foraging in loose groups.
© Theadora Block / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 29, 2017Flock
Forms large flocks during migration. Found on sandy beaches chasing waves.
© Tom Unsicker / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, August 07, 2016Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
Sandpipers and Allies(Order: Charadriiformes, Family: Scolopacidae)
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