Spotted Sandpiper Photo Gallery
Breeding adult
Medium-sized shorebird with a unique bobbing behavior. Breeding adults have dark spots on the belly and an orangish bill.
© Ian Hearn / Macaulay LibraryIdaho, June 21, 2017Nonbreeding/immature
Often walks in a crouched position. Nonbreeding birds are brownish above with a bit of brown on the breast. Note yellow legs.
© Brad Imhoff / Macaulay LibraryOhio, July 24, 2020Nonbreeding adult
Bobs tail up and down nearly constantly while it walks. Gradually loses the spots on its breast and belly as it molts out of breeding plumage.
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryMaine, July 18, 2012Not all videos have soundNonbreeding/immature
Flies with stuttering wingbeats (quick, snappy wingbeats interspersed with glides).
© Juan Miguel Artigas Azas / Macaulay LibrarySan Luis Potosí, August 22, 2020Breeding adult
Medium-sized shorebird. Breeding birds have a heavily spotted breast and an orangish bill.
© Fyn Kynd / Macaulay LibraryMaine, May 11, 2018Nonbreeding/immature
Nonbreeding birds and juveniles lack the spotted breast. Brownish above with a brown wash on the breast and a white belly. Often crouches low and bobs its tail up and down.
© Drew Beamer / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 03, 2021Breeding adult
Most often found on the ground, but sometimes perches on trees or posts, while taking care of young.
© Robb Bell / Macaulay LibraryAlberta, June 26, 2016Nonbreeding adult
Found almost anywhere near water, and often inland along streambanks, rivers, ponds, lakes, and beaches, particularly on rocky shores.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryTexas, November 05, 2016Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
Sandpipers and Allies(Order: Charadriiformes, Family: Scolopacidae)
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