Sanderling




Sanderling


Sanderling
(Calidris alba)

Order:  Charadriiformes
Family:  Scolopacidae





Photo © Don DesJardin

Sanderling Information

Length:  7 - 8"

Habitat:
Breeding habitat: Rocky arctic tundra.

During migration and in winter: Sandy ocean beaches, mudflats, sandy edges of inland lakes and rivers.

Diet:  Small crustaceans (especially, sand crabs), small mollusks, marine worms. On breeding grounds, insects and their larvae.

  Calls of the Sanderling, including flock calls

Additional Information

Sanderling
Habitat, diet, feeding behavior, nesting, migration, and conservation status of this bird. Includes range map, photos, and songs and calls. (From Audubon Field Guide)


Sanderlings

Sanderlings

By Ian Preston [CC 2.0]

Sanderling
Identification Tips

  • Small shorebird
  • Medium-length, thin, dark bill
  • Dark legs
  • Wide, white wing stripe
  • Black line on rump extends onto tail
  • Sexes similar
Adult alternate
  • Reddish head, back and breast with black spots
  • Gray wings
  • White belly
Adult basic
  • Pale gray head and upperparts
  • Faint, partial gray breast band
  • White underparts
  • Indistinct white supercilium and dark eyeline

(Credit: U. S. Geological Survey)


Range in New England


The Sanderling is locally common along the New England coast during fall migration.

This bird is also found during the winter along the coast of New England as far north as southern Maine.


Map from eBird

Sightings of the Sanderling throughout the year over past 10 years (2009-2019)


Christmas Bird Count Map
Historical CBC Map from USGS