Wood Sandpiper

Tringa glareola

Family: Sandpipers and Allies · Status: Uncommon migrant · Size: 18.5–21 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds in the Northern Palearctic from Europe to eastern Siberia; winters in tropical Africa through the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent to Southeast Asia and Australia.

Identification

A medium-sized wader with dull yellow or green legs, spotted upperparts, and prominent supercilium. Told from Common Sandpiper by more upright posture, much longer legs, and more spotted upperparts. Green Sandpiper also has spotted upperparts but a more horizontal posture and its supercilium does not extend past the eye. Grey-tailed Tattler, not usually found in the same habitat, has cleaner upperparts, brighter yellow legs, and a thicker bill.

Habitat

Freshwater marshes, puddles, and shallow canals.