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Wandering Tattler Identification
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, 2008Nonbreeding
In flight, entirely gray above.
© Mat Gilfedder | Macaulay LibraryNew South Wales, April 05, 2016Breeding adult
Forages along rocky shorelines where it blends in with the rocks.
© Bruce Wedderburn | Macaulay LibraryNorfolk Island, April 04, 2011Adult 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)
