ExploreBirds

Wood Sandpiper

Tringa glareola

The Wood Sandpiper is a small bird that loves to wade in shallow waters. It has long legs and a beautiful spotted body, making it a delightful sight near lakes and marshes.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Wood Sandpiper has grey-brown upperparts with fine white speckles and a pure white belly. Its prominent white stripe above the eye and greenish-yellow legs distinguish it from similar waders.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusTringa
Wood Sandpiper
feathered trait badgespotted trait badgesocial trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Wood Sandpiper

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

During breeding season, male Wood Sandpipers perform spectacular looping display flights.

Its scientific name, Tringa glareola, translates to 'sandpiper of the gravelly places'.

Newly hatched Wood Sandpiper chicks leave the nest almost immediately after drying.

This bird often bobs its head and tail when standing, looking very alert!

Special abilities

Ability

Disappearing Act

Wood Sandpipers have dappled brown and white plumage that helps them blend perfectly into marshy reeds and grasses.

Ability

Mud Prober

Wood Sandpipers can probe soft mud with sensitive bills to find hidden insect larvae they can't see.

Ability

Marathon Migrator

Wood Sandpipers can fly thousands of kilometers during migration, traveling between continents each year.

Measurements & details

Length
18-21 cm
Wingspan
39-44 cm
Weight
0.034-0.082 kg
Lifespan
8-12 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
3-4
Incubation
22-23 days
Migration Distance
12000 km

Diet & Feeding

This sandpiper loves to slurp up small insects and their larvae from shallow muddy water.

Primary Foods

  • Aquatic insect larvae
  • Small crustaceans
  • Worms
  • Adult insects
  • Tadpoles

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Predator of adult sandpipers.

eats

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Preys on eggs, chicks, and nesting adults.

eaten by

Common Midge

Chironomus plumosus

Larvae are a primary food source.

eaten by

Water Flea

Daphnia magna

Small crustaceans eaten from water.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Wood Sandpiper?

18-21 cm

What is Wood Sandpiper's wingspan?

39-44 cm

How much does Wood Sandpiper weigh?

0.034-0.082 kg

How long does Wood Sandpiper live?

8-12 years

How fast can Wood Sandpiper move?

60 km/h

What does Wood Sandpiper eat?

This sandpiper loves to slurp up small insects and their larvae from shallow muddy water.

Where is Wood Sandpiper usually found?

Wetlands

How does Wood Sandpiper hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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