Western Sandpiper
Calidris mauri
The Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) is a common sandpiper found in 62 countries, weighing about 28 g. The western sandpiper is a small migratory shorebird.
About the Western Sandpiper
The western sandpiper is a small migratory shorebird. The genus name is from Ancient Greek kalidris or skalidris, a term used by Aristotle for some grey-coloured waterside birds. The specific mauri commemorates Italian botanist Ernesto Mauri (1791–1836).
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Adults have dark legs and a short, thin, dark bill, thinner at the tip. The body is brown on top and white underneath. They are reddish-brown on the crown. This bird can be difficult to distinguish from other similar tiny shorebirds, especially the semipalmated sandpiper. This is particularly the case in winter plumage, when both species are plain grey. The western sandpiper acquires winter plumage much earlier in the autumn than the semipalmated sandpiper. Measurements: Length: 14–17 cm (5.5–6.7 in) Wingspan: 35–37 cm (14–15 in) Weight: 22–35 g (0.78–1.23 oz)
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Taiwan, Brazil, Portugal, France, Argentina, Spain, St. Barthélemy, St. Pierre & Miquelon, China.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in August. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Western Sandpiper?
- Adults have dark legs and a short, thin, dark bill, thinner at the tip. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Western Sandpiper?
- The Western Sandpiper is a small sized bird weighing about 28 g.
- Where can you see a Western Sandpiper?
- The Western Sandpiper occurs in 62 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama.
- What birds look similar to a Western Sandpiper?
- The Western Sandpiper is most easily confused with the Pectoral Sandpiper, the Ruff and the Red Knot.
- Is the Western Sandpiper endangered?
- The Western Sandpiper is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Western Sandpiper for real
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