Sanderling

Calidris alba

Family: Sandpipers and Allies · Status: Rare migrant · Size: 18–21 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds in high Arctic areas of North America, Europe and Asia. In wintering months, it has a cosmopolitan distribution.

Identification

Smallish wader but bigger than typical stints. Short, thick, straight black bill; blackish legs and feet; lacks hind toe. Breeding: rusty tones on upperparts, often frosty when fresh. Non-breeding: pale grey ear coverts and upperside, snowy white underside. Juvenile: darker streaks on crown and hindneck, blackish mantle and scapulars boldly patterned with buffish-white; buff-washed breast with dark streaks on the sides. Bold white wing stripe in flight.

Habitat

Sandflats, mudflats, sandy beaches, sometimes salt pans; occasionally rocky shores. Marina East Drive, Changi Coast.

Behaviour

Runs back and forth chasing waves, feeding actively in sand by rapid probing and pecking.