- Description:
This robin-sized, chunky sandpiper has relatively short pink, yellow or orange
legs. The breeding plumage consists of a brown back, wings, neck and head, with dark
streaks and barring. The belly and undertail are white with a varying number of dark
spots. The bill is medium-length, yellow, orange or pink and black-tipped. Nonbreeding
plumage is similar but without the spotting, streaking or barring. The tail extends
slightly past the wing tips at rest. The first impression of a Spotted Sandpiper is that
of a constantly bobbing rear end. In flight, they have a unique
“flutter-stall-flutter” pattern of shallow wing beats.
Spotted sandpiper in nonbreeding plumage
Photo © Judd Patterson, used by
permission
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Juvenile spotted sandpiper
Photo © Bob Gress |
- Similar Species:
Solitary Sandpipers, although slightly larger and
slimmer, are similar in plumage and bob like Spotted Sandpipers but their movements are
slower paced.
- Comments: Spotted
Sandpipers breed throughout central and northern North America and winter along the North
American coast and throughout northern and central South America. They are commonly found
as single birds or in small groups along shorelines of rocky lakes, reservoirs and rivers.
Females are slightly larger and more heavily spotted than males, defend a breeding
territory and are polyandrous (attempt to mate with more than one male).
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