ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Sanderling

Sanderling

Photo by Jim McCormac

This is one of the most wide-ranging shorebirds in the world. The sanderling breeds in the high Arctic and has been observed on nearly every continent after dispersing.

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Sanderling

Calidris alba

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 24-31 days

• Clutch Size: 4 eggs

• Young Fledge: 17 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: aquatic invertebrates

Description
In the summer, these birds have a rufous head and breast and a white belly. In the winter, the rufous turns to a pale gray. The bill and legs are black.

Habitat and Habits
The quintessential "beach-piper"; this is normally the small sandpiper that people see chasing the waves at the beach. They are actually rushing in to grab small invertebrates exposed by retreating waves, deftly darting back before the next wave crashes in. Their calls are quick, sharp, slightly squeaky quit quit quit notes, often given in rapid, short series, most often in flight.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Breeding takes place in the Arctic tundra. Nests are hollows in the ground.