# Solitary Sandpiper (*Tringa solitaria*) The Solitary Sandpiper is a small, wading bird that loves to explore wetlands and muddy shores. With its long legs and spotted belly, it looks for tasty insects and tiny fish to eat. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 13 - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![Solitary Sandpiper](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Tringa_solitaria_337150303_%28cropped%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Janne Teivonen, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tringa_solitaria_337150303_%28cropped%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Solitary Sandpiper has a dark greenish-brown back speckled with fine white spots, a striking white belly, and a prominent white eye-ring. Its long, dark bill and yellowish-green legs make it distinct among shorebirds, especially its lack of white wing stripes in flight. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Charadriiformes - **Family:** Scolopacidae - **Genus:** Tringa ## Interesting facts - Its 'solitary' name is from migration, but they gather on wintering grounds. - These birds constantly bob their head and tail like a tiny rhythmic dancer. - They have super long toes for tip-toeing on floating pond plants! - This sandpiper is the only one that nests high up in old tree nests! ## Special abilities - **Aquatic Explorer:** Solitary Sandpiper can wade in shallow waters because of its long legs that help them forage in muddy or vegetated wetlands. - **Nest Borrower:** Solitary Sandpiper has the unique ability to use old tree nests because it helps them avoid ground predators. - **Master of Subtlety:** Solitary Sandpiper can blend into its wetland surroundings because of its spotted plumage that helps them hide from predators. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 18-23 cm - **Wingspan:** 39-42 cm - **Weight:** 0.031-0.065 kg - **Lifespan:** 4-10 years - **Speed:** 60 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 3-5 - **Incubation:** 23-24 days - **Migration Distance:** 6000 km ## Diet & Feeding These birds slurp up tiny aquatic insects and other small critters from shallow water and mud! - **Primary Foods:** aquatic insect larvae, small crustaceans, worms, tadpoles - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** lake midge (*Chironomus plumosus*) — Consumes larvae of this common insect from mud and water. - **Eaten by:** [Peregrine Falcon](https://www.snappit.app/explore/peregrine-falcon) (*Falco peregrinus*) — Swift raptors may prey on them during their long migrations. - **Depends on:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Uses old abandoned nests of robins for laying eggs. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Migratory](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/migratory): Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch birds from a distance so they feel safe and happy. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Solitary Sandpiper? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Solitary Sandpiper? 18-23 cm ### What is Solitary Sandpiper's wingspan? 39-42 cm ### How much does Solitary Sandpiper weigh? 0.031-0.065 kg ### How long does Solitary Sandpiper live? 4-10 years ### How fast can Solitary Sandpiper move? 60 km/h ### What does Solitary Sandpiper eat? These birds slurp up tiny aquatic insects and other small critters from shallow water and mud! ### Where is Solitary Sandpiper usually found? Wetlands ## Where to spot - [Chicken Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chicken-historic-district) — Alaska, US · Historic District - [Isaac Franklin Plantation](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/isaac-franklin-plantation) — Tennessee, US · Historic Site - [Marymoor Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/marymoor-park) — Washington, US · Nature Reserve - [Pointe Mouillee State Game Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/pointe-mouillee-state-game-area) — Michigan, US · Nature Reserve - [Central Springfield Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/central-springfield-historic-district) — Illinois, US · Historic District - [China Village](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/china-village) — Maine, US · Neighborhood [View all places to see Solitary Sandpiper](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/solitary-sandpiper) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Solitary Sandpiper: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/solitary-sandpiper)