- Description:
Similar and often indistinguishable from the Short-billed Dowitcher, this dove-sized
shorebird has a long, straight, black bill and light green legs. Breeding birds are deep
reddish-rufous below and heavily mottled buff and black above. Nonbreeding birds are dull
gray-brown. The sides and underbelly are often barred. In flight, a white diamond pattern
on the back and prominent bill are characteristics of dowitchers. The vocalization is
usually a single or repeated “peep” or “keek” call. They feed by
probing, often appearing stationary, in an oil pump fashion. Females have a longer,
slightly drooped bill.
Spring migrants show varying amounts of breeding plumage
- Similar Species:
Unlike the Wilson’s Snipe, dowitchers do not have a
striped appearance. Stilt Sandpipers are less robust in
appearance. To distinguish from the Short-billed Dowitcher,
listen for the call and look for the barring (as opposed to spots) along the sides and
underbelly and a more rounded back during feeding.
- Comments: During
the fall migration, Long-billed Dowitchers appear in the Great Plains during July and
continue through late fall. They breed on the tundra and winter in fresh and saltwater
marshes and mudflats both in coastal areas and inland throughout southern North America
and Central America.
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