Bird Guide

Least Sandpiper vs Semipalmated Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla)

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

Small23 gWetland

This species has yellow-green legs and a short, thin, dark bill. Breeding adults are brown with dark brown streaks on top and white underneath. They have a light line above the eye and a dark crown. In winter, Least sandpipers are grey above. The juveniles are brightly patterned above with rufous colour and white mantle stripes. This bird can be difficult to distinguish from other similar tiny shorebirds; these are known collectively as "peeps" or "stints". In particular, least sandpiper is very similar to its Asian counterpart, long-toed stint.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Stephan Sprinz · CC BY 4.0
Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla)

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

Small28 gGrassland

It is a small sandpiper, 15–18 centimetres (6–7 inches) long and weighing around 18–51.5 grams (0.63–1.82 ounces). Wingspan ranges from 13.8 to 14.6 in (35 to 37 cm). Adults have black legs and a short, stout, straight dark bill. The body is dark grey-brown on top and white underneath. The head and neck are tinged light grey-brown. This bird can be difficult to distinguish from other similar tiny shorebirds, in particular the western sandpiper; these are known collectively as "peeps" or "stints". Jonsson, Lars & Peter J.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Thomaz de Carvalho Callado · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Least Sandpiper and Semipalmated Sandpiper.