About the Semipalmated Sandpiper
The semipalmated sandpiper is a very small shorebird. The genus name is from Ancient Greek kalidris or skalidris, a term used by Aristotle for some grey-coloured waterside birds. The specific pusilla is Latin for "very small".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Semipalmated Sandpiper lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in France, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Morocco.
When to see the Semipalmated Sandpiper
Peak activity in August · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
RuffCalidris pugnaxThe ruff has a distinctive pot-bellied appearance, with a small head, medium-length bill, longish neck and heavy body.
Western SandpiperCalidris mauriAdults have dark legs and a short, thin, dark bill, thinner at the tip.
Pectoral SandpiperCalidris melanotosThis bird looks similar to the widely sympatric sharp-tailed sandpiper (C. acuminata), which is not however a member of the same clade in the genus.
Side by side: Dunlin vs Semipalmated Sandpiper · Least Sandpiper vs Semipalmated Sandpiper · Sanderling vs Semipalmated Sandpiper · Ruff vs Semipalmated Sandpiper · Semipalmated Sandpiper vs Western Sandpiper · Pectoral Sandpiper vs Semipalmated Sandpiper
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