Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

Calidris acuminata

Family: Sandpipers and Allies · Status: Vagrant · Size: 17–21 cm · Conservation: Vulnerable

Range

Breeds in northeast Siberia; winters south to New Guinea, the Pacific Islands, and eastern Australia.

Identification

Medium-sized sandpiper recalling Long-toed Stint but larger. From Long-toed Stint, told by larger size, rufous tones on crown in all plumages, longer legs, and thicker bill. From Pectoral Sandpiper, distinguished by streaking on flanks (Pectoral has clean flanks), warmer rufous crown, and in breeding plumage, chevron-shaped markings on underparts rather than pure streaking; Pectoral almost always shows pale tones on bill-base while Sharp-tailed often has all-dark bill.

Habitat

Mudflats, sandflats, brackish lagoons, and shallow freshwater or brackish wetlands with low vegetation.

Behaviour

Typically feeds at water's edge on insects, snails, and crustaceans.