Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Calidris falcinellus
Family: Sandpipers and Allies · Status: Rare migrant · Size: 16–18 cm · Conservation: Vulnerable
Two populations: falcinellus breeds in Scandinavia and northwest Russia and winters from east Africa to the Indian subcontinent; sibirica breeds in northeast Siberia and winters from northeast India to Australia.
Small wader with short legs and rounded appearance. In all plumages, distinguished by relatively long bill decurved sharply at tip and distinctive split supercilium. Non-breeding adult has grey-brown upperparts with dark-centred feathers and white fringes; breast faintly streaked grey-brown. Curlew Sandpiper is slightly larger, has a more evenly decurved bill, lacks the split supercilium, and shows less contrasting upperparts in non-breeding plumage. Red-necked and Little Stints are smaller with shorter, straight bills. In breeding plumage, shows rufous fringes to upperpart feathers.
Mudflats, sandflats, and brackish lagoons.
Walks slowly, scanning for prey from side to side; occasionally probes. Singly or in small flocks, sometimes mixing with other waders such as Curlew Sandpiper.