ExploreBirds

Surfbird

Calidris virgata

The Surfbird is a small, energetic bird that loves to run along the shore. It has a beautiful gray-brown body and a cheerful, chirpy voice. Surfbirds are often seen hopping on rocks and searching for tasty snacks in the sand.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Surfbird is a medium-sized, stocky shorebird with dark brownish-grey upperparts streaked with white in breeding plumage. Its white underparts are heavily marked with dark streaking on the chest and flanks, contrasting with its bright yellowish legs and short, thick bill.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusCalidris
Surfbird
feathered trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecoastal trait badgecarnivorous trait badge
Surfbird

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Surfbirds travel over 8,000 kilometers from Alaska to South America!

They often forage right where ocean waves crash onto the shore!

They use powerful kicks to dislodge stubborn snails and limpets from rocks!

This bird nests only on remote, rocky mountain slopes in the Arctic!

Special abilities

Ability

Rock Flipping Pro

Surfbirds can powerfully kick and flip over stones because of their strong legs, helping them find hidden prey like limpets and crabs.

Ability

Rocky Explorer

Surfbirds can deftly navigate treacherous, wave-washed rocks because of their strong legs and gripping toes, allowing them to access prime feeding spots.

Ability

Migration Marathoner

Surfbirds can fly thousands of kilometers non-stop because of their incredible endurance, allowing them to migrate from the Arctic to South America.

Ability

Coastal Camouflage

Surfbirds have mottled plumage that helps them blend perfectly with the speckled rocks of the shore, making them hard for predators to spot.

Measurements & details

Length
23-26 cm
Wingspan
55-60 cm
Weight
0.13-0.22 kg
Lifespan
10-12 years
Top Speed
65 km/h
Clutch Size
4
Incubation
22-24 days
Migration Distance
8000 km

Diet & Feeding

They eat small marine creatures like snails and crabs, found by flipping rocks on the shore.

Primary Foods

  • Limpets
  • Barnacles
  • Periwinkles
  • Crabs
  • Marine worms
  • Insect larvae

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

A top predator, preys on many shorebirds.

eats

Ribbed Limpet

Lottia digitalis

Surfbirds flip rocks to find and consume these marine snails.

eats

Acorn Barnacle

Balanus glandula

Crushes barnacles with its bill found on intertidal rocks.

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 Surfbird?

23-26 cm

What is Surfbird's wingspan?

55-60 cm

How much does Surfbird weigh?

0.13-0.22 kg

How long does Surfbird live?

10-12 years

How fast can Surfbird move?

65 km/h

What does Surfbird eat?

They eat small marine creatures like snails and crabs, found by flipping rocks on the shore.

Where is Surfbird usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Surfbird hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

More Birds