ExploreBirds

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

Baird's Sandpiper is a small, wading bird that loves to run along the shore. It has a lovely brown and white pattern that helps it blend in with the sand and rocks.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Baird's Sandpiper is a small shorebird with noticeably long wings that extend beyond its tail, giving it a distinctive silhouette. It has a streaky brown back, a pale belly, and a dark cap that contrasts with a clear, unstreaked breast.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusCalidris
Baird's Sandpiper
feathered trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgecoastal trait badgecarnivorous trait badge
Baird's Sandpiper

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

1

Interesting facts

Baird's Sandpipers are sometimes called 'Pectoral Sandpipers of the High Arctic'!

Their long wings, stretching beyond their tail, are a perfect identifier in flight!

These tiny birds make one of the longest migrations of *any* bird, traveling pole to pole!

They nest in the very cold Arctic, building their homes in shallow scrapes on the ground!

Special abilities

Ability

Marathon Migrator

Baird's Sandpiper has incredible stamina that helps them fly over 15,000 km from the Arctic to South America each year.

Ability

Arctic Nest Builder

Baird's Sandpiper can survive the harsh Arctic conditions because of its ability to breed in cold, exposed tundra environments.

Ability

Camouflage Master

Baird's Sandpiper can blend into its rocky or marshy surroundings because of its streaky brown feathers.

Ability

Probing Sensor

Baird's Sandpiper can find hidden insects because of its sensitive bill that probes the mud and sand.

Measurements & details

Length
14-19 cm
Wingspan
38-44 cm
Weight
0.03-0.06 kg
Lifespan
3-5 years
Top Speed
75 km/h
Clutch Size
3-4
Incubation
20-22 days
Migration Distance
15000 km

Diet & Feeding

They mainly eat small insects and their larvae found by probing soft ground.

Primary Foods

  • insect larvae
  • beetles
  • flies
  • aquatic invertebrates
  • spiders

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Arctic Fox

Vulpes lagopus

Foxes prey on eggs and young in Arctic nesting grounds.

eaten by

Parasitic Jaeger

Stercorarius parasiticus

Jaegers are aerial predators of adult sandpipers and chicks.

eats

Midge

Chironomus plumosus

Baird's Sandpipers consume midge larvae and adults.

depends on

Arctic Willow

Salix arctica

Provides shelter and microhabitat in their Arctic breeding grounds.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Baird's Sandpiper?

The easiest way to identify Baird's Sandpiper is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Baird's Sandpiper?

14-19 cm

What is Baird's Sandpiper's wingspan?

38-44 cm

How much does Baird's Sandpiper weigh?

0.03-0.06 kg

How long does Baird's Sandpiper live?

3-5 years

How fast can Baird's Sandpiper move?

75 km/h

What does Baird's Sandpiper eat?

They mainly eat small insects and their larvae found by probing soft ground.

Where is Baird's Sandpiper usually found?

Coastal areas

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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