About the Surfbird
The surfbird is a small stocky wader in the family Scolopacidae. It was once considered to be allied to the turnstones, and placed in the monotypic genus Aphriza, but is now placed in the genus Calidris.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The surfbird is a large sandpiper, reminiscent of the turnstones or the great knot. It measures 23 to 26 cm (9.1–10.2 in) and weighs 133–251 g (4.7–8.9 oz). The sexes look the same, but the females are slightly larger than males on average. Surfbirds their breeding plumage from March through August, and have white heads, necks breast and belly which are streaked with black, except for the crown which are rusty. The streaking becomes less prominent lower in the body.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in January · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Broad-billed SandpiperCalidris falcinellusBroad-billed sandpipers are small waders, 16–18 cm long, slightly smaller than the dunlin, but larger than the little stint; it has a longer, straighter bill with the tip distinctly kinked down, and shorter legs than dunlin.
Buff-breasted SandpiperCalidris subruficollisThis species is brown above and has a buff face and underparts in all plumages.
Sharp-tailed SandpiperCalidris acuminataA small-medium wader, the portly sandpiper has a pot belly, flat back and somewhat drawn-out rear end.
Side by side: Sharp-tailed Sandpiper vs Surfbird
Learn the Surfbird for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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