White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

Vulnerable · IUCN Red List

VUVulnerableInvertebratesWetlandScrapeSmall · 43 g

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The white-rumped sandpiper is a relatively small bird measuring only 15–18 cm (5.9–7.1 in), with a wingspan of 36–38 cm (14–15 in). The top of its body is a dull grey-brown colour and it has a white eye stripe. Its beak is of medium length, thin and dark, and its legs are very dark. This bird is often mistaken with many similar-looking sandpipers that live in its range or along its migration path. The plumage is much less distinct during the winter; however, during all seasons males and females remain similar in their appearance. Voice: One of the white-rumped sandpiper vocalizations consists of a repeating "pip, pip, pip …" Their call has a distinctive metallic "tzeep" note which makes them easily identifiable among a flock of shorebirds. It resembles the sound of two pebbles scraping against one another.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

When to see the White-rumped Sandpiper

One bar for each month. Filled bars are the 6 months with records; pale bars are months with none. The wide bar is May, the month with the most records.

Where to see the White-rumped Sandpiper

Regular rangeRare visitor

The map shades 67 countries with regular records, and 10 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.

Recorded as a rare visitor in France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Namibia, St. Barthélemy.

About the White-rumped Sandpiper

The white-rumped sandpiper is a small migratory shorebird that breeds in the northern tundra of Canada and Alaska. This bird can be difficult to distinguish from other similar tiny shorebirds; these are known collectively as "peeps" or "stints". In flight, it is more easily picked out by its namesake white rump.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Easily confused with

Side by side: Stilt Sandpiper vs White-rumped Sandpiper · Baird's Sandpiper vs White-rumped Sandpiper · Temminck's Stint vs White-rumped Sandpiper · Purple Sandpiper vs White-rumped Sandpiper

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