Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

Family: Sandpipers and Allies · Status: Rare migrant · Size: 19–21.5 cm · Conservation: Vulnerable

Range

Breeds in Arctic Siberia; winters to sub-Saharan Africa east to Southeast Asia.

Identification

Medium-sized sandpiper with long, evenly downcurved bill and conspicuous white rump in flight. In non-breeding plumage, shows clear contrasting white supercilium. Broad-billed Sandpiper is smaller, has a split supercilium and shorter bill decurved only at the tip. In breeding plumage, head, neck, and underparts mostly rufous; upperparts washed with gray and rufous tones. Birds in early migratory season (July–August) often display patches of rufous on breast and upper belly.

Habitat

Intertidal mudflats, sandflats, and brackish lagoons.

Behaviour

Picks prey from surface of mud, occasionally probing.