Sandpipers · Shorebirds
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
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Calidris subruficollis
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How to recognize it
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Body length 18–20 cm
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Buff-toned face and underparts, darker back with dark markings
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Short dark bill, orange-yellow legs
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High-stepping walk, quick runs while feeding
About the species
Look for a sandy-buff shorebird with darker, marked brown upperparts and a pale face that blends into the chest and belly. Its short dark bill and yellow legs stand out against the soft coloring, and its dark eyes are easy to pick out. Males are larger than females, but both share the same muted pattern.
On the ground, it walks with its legs lifted high, then darts between feeding spots as it searches by sight. If disturbed, it may freeze; males also raise their wings in display, flashing the white undersides even during migration.
It breeds on grassy Arctic tundra in North America, then makes a long migration through central North America to South America, with many wintering in Argentina. Away from the breeding grounds, it uses short grass rather than wet shorelines, including golf courses and airfields, and picks insects and other small invertebrates from the ground.
Where to find
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In western Europe, especially Britain and Ireland, the buff-breasted sandpiper is a regular wanderer; outside the breeding season, look on the short grass of airfields and golf courses as it searches the ground for food.
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On freshly ploughed fields, watch for quick runs from place to place in search of insects.
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On grassy Arctic tundra plains in North America during the breeding season, males raise their wings to show their white undersides.
