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Wandering Tattler Identification
Breeding adult
Medium-sized shorebird with a long bill, and short thick yellow legs. Breeding birds are gray above and barred gray and white below. Bobs its tail up and down.
© Jeff Maw | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, May 16, 2017
Nonbreeding
Constantly bobs its tail up and down. Walks along rocky shorelines where its gray back and chest blend in with the rocks.
© Brian SullivanCalifornia, April 19, 2008
Breeding adult
Forages on rocky or sandy substrates, often within the intertidal zone, for small marine invertebrates, insects, and fish. Frequently bobs its tail up and down while walking.
© Benjamin Clock | Macaulay LibraryAlaska, May 27, 2009
Nonbreeding
In flight, entirely gray above.
© Mat Gilfedder | Macaulay LibraryNew South Wales, April 05, 2016
Nonbreeding
Medium-sized shorebird with a long bill and thick legs. Typically walks with a horizontal posture while bobbing its tail. Nonbreeding birds are gray above with an unmarked gray chest. Note yellow legs.
© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, September 26, 2014
Breeding adult
Breeding adults have a heavily barred gray belly and a white line in front of their eye.
© Aaron Marshall | Macaulay LibraryAlaska, May 18, 2009
Breeding adults with Black Turnstones
Larger and longer than Black Turnstones. Yellow legs and barred belly are diagnostic.
© Ivan Dubinsky | Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, July 17, 2016
Breeding adult
Forages along rocky shorelines where it blends in with the rocks.
© Bruce Wedderburn | Macaulay LibraryNorfolk Island, April 04, 2011
Adult Description
- Medium-sized shorebird.
- Short, thick yellow legs.
- Moderately long, straight bill.
- Gray all over.
- Belly white.
- Short white eyestripe.
- Constantly bobs its tail and rear end up and down as it walks.
- Entire underside heavily barred in breeding plumage.
- Plain gray wings and tail.
Immature Description
Similar to nonbreeding adult, but gray breast and flanks faintly smudged and barred, and back feathers with some whitish tips.Relative Size
between robin and crowMeasurements
- Both Sexes
- Length: 10.2-11.8 in (26-30 cm)
- Weight: 2.1-6.0 oz (60-169 g)
- Wingspan: 19.7-21.6 in (50-55 cm)
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