White-rumped Sandpiper Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Among the small “peep” sandpipers, this is a fairly large species with a fairly long, slightly drooping bill. It has very long wings, with the wingtips extending past the tail tip when folded.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Semipalmated Sandpiper, smaller than a Dunlin.

  between sparrow and robin

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 5.9-7.1 in (15-18 cm)
    • Weight: 1.4-2.1 oz (40-60 g)
    • Wingspan: 15.8-17.3 in (40-44 cm)

  © Dorian Anderson / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  A fairly pale brown-and-white sandpiper. Breeding adults have a pale line over the eye and strong dark stippling on the head, breast, and flanks. The wings are dark brown with some rusty color in the shoulders. Nonbreeding adults are similar but paler brown above and without rusty tones. Juveniles are similar to nonbreeding adults but are scaly-looking above because of strong rusty and gold edging to the feathers. All plumages show a distinctive white rump (actually the uppertail covert feathers).

• Behavior

  Probes into mud or moss for prey, often inserting the bill completely, then walking forward to probe again. Males perform flight displays and elaborate ground displays on breeding grounds.
• Habitat

  Nests near freshwater in moist tundra in the high arctic. Migrants use almost any freshwater wetland with muddy margins, as well as sod farms and flooded fields, so long as water is 2 inches deep or less. They use some tidal wetlands as well. Winters in marshes and coastal lagoons, less often in estuaries and outer beaches.