ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Short-billed Dowitcher

Short-billed Dowitcher

Photo by Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery

Short-billed dowitchers are much more common in Ohio than their long-billed counterparts. Exceptionally early (late March-April) or late (after late September) sightings are likely to be long-billed dowitchers. They often occur in large flocks.

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Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 21 days

• Clutch Size: 4 eggs

• Typical Foods: aquatic invertebrates and seeds

Description
Dowitchers are very distinctive; the only real source of confusion might be the Wilson's snipe, but that secretive species has a prominently striped head. However, separating the two species of dowitchers is not easy.

Habitat and Habits
This species prefers mudflats, shallow marshes, and flooded fields. It normally forages in belly-deep water. Vocalizations can help in the identification of short- and long-billed dowitchers. This species makes soft mellow whistles; the notes are usually paired or tripled, and suggestive of lesser yellowlegs.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Breeding takes place in Alaska and Canada. The nest is made in a depression in the ground lined with grass and moss.