ExploreBirds

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

The Spotted Sandpiper is a small bird that loves to wade in shallow waters. It has a unique spotted belly and a cheerful, bobbing walk that makes it fun to watch!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Spotted Sandpiper is a small shorebird with a slender body. In summer, it has distinct dark spots covering its white underside and a pale stripe above its eye. Its bill is dull yellow with a dark tip, which makes it stand out.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusActitis
Spotted Sandpiper
feathered trait badgespotted trait badgesocial trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Spotted Sandpiper

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Female sandpipers often leave the male to raise the chicks alone!

Males have special patches on their chest to keep eggs warm.

Their flight looks like a bouncing ball, unique among shorebirds.

They migrate solo, without flying in big flocks like other birds.

Special abilities

Ability

Teetering Navigator

Spotted Sandpiper can constantly bob its tail up and down because this helps them search for prey and navigate uneven surfaces.

Ability

Polyandrous Parents

Spotted Sandpiper females can lay multiple clutches with different mates, helping them produce more offspring.

Ability

Wing-Wiggle Flight

Spotted Sandpipers have stiff, bowed wings and beat them rapidly below body level, giving them an erratic, unique flight pattern.

Measurements & details

Length
18-20 cm
Wingspan
37-40 cm
Weight
0.021-0.05 kg
Lifespan
3-12 years
Top Speed
55 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
20-22 days
Migration Distance
6000 km

Diet & Feeding

They mostly eat tiny insects and worms found near water.

Primary Foods

  • aquatic insects
  • terrestrial insects
  • small crustaceans
  • spiders
  • worms
  • small fish

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

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 touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Spotted Sandpiper?

18-20 cm

What is Spotted Sandpiper's wingspan?

37-40 cm

How much does Spotted Sandpiper weigh?

0.021-0.05 kg

How long does Spotted Sandpiper live?

3-12 years

How fast can Spotted Sandpiper move?

55 km/h

What does Spotted Sandpiper eat?

They mostly eat tiny insects and worms found near water.

Where is Spotted Sandpiper usually found?

Wetlands

How does Spotted Sandpiper hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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