ExploreBirds

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

The Western Sandpiper is a small, quick bird that loves to run along the beach looking for tiny bugs and worms to eat. They have long legs and a pointed beak that helps them dig in the sand.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Western Sandpiper is a small shorebird with dark legs and a short, slightly drooping black bill. In breeding season, it has reddish-brown patches on its back and streaky brown markings on its breast. In winter, it appears much plainer and grayer above with a white belly.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusCalidris
Western Sandpiper
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Western Sandpiper

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Their tiny chicks can leave the nest and find food just hours after hatching!

Their toes are slightly webbed, which helps them walk on soft mud!

They often forage with a distinctive 'sewing machine' head-bobbing motion!

Western Sandpipers make a high-pitched 'kreep' sound, like a squeaky toy!

Special abilities

Ability

Tactile Forager

Western Sandpiper can find hidden worms and crustaceans by feeling them with nerve endings in its bill, even without seeing them.

Ability

Hypersaline Hero

Western Sandpiper can drink salty water because specialized glands remove excess salt from its blood, helping it survive harsh coastal environments.

Ability

Flocking Formation

Western Sandpiper has incredible synchronized flight, helping large flocks confuse predators and efficiently find food.

Measurements & details

Length
13-17 cm
Wingspan
35-37 cm
Weight
0.02-0.035 kg
Lifespan
10-12 years
Top Speed
65 km/h
Clutch Size
3-4
Incubation
21-22 days
Migration Distance
10000 km

Diet & Feeding

Western Sandpipers feast on tiny worms and crustaceans found in mud and sand along the shore.

Primary Foods

  • marine worms
  • small crustaceans
  • insect larvae
  • tiny molluscs

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 catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Western Sandpiper?

13-17 cm

What is Western Sandpiper's wingspan?

35-37 cm

How much does Western Sandpiper weigh?

0.02-0.035 kg

How long does Western Sandpiper live?

10-12 years

How fast can Western Sandpiper move?

65 km/h

What does Western Sandpiper eat?

Western Sandpipers feast on tiny worms and crustaceans found in mud and sand along the shore.

Where is Western Sandpiper usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Western Sandpiper hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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