A unique upland-loving sandpiper that doesn't live on shorelines. Forms loose breeding colonies in tallgrass prairies. Eerie haunting whistle calls.

Also called: Upland Plover

Native status: Native to North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 15–60 cm (6–24 in); wingspan 30–90 cm
Weight20–800 g
LifespanWild 5–15 years
OrderCharadriiformes
FamilyScolopacidae

§ Encyclopedia

The upland sandpiper is a large sandpiper, closely related to the curlews. Older names are the upland plover and Bartram's sandpiper. In Louisiana, it is also colloquially known as the papabotte. It is the sole extant member of the genus Bartramia. The genus name and the old common name Bartram's sandpiper commemorate the American naturalist William Bartram. The species name longicauda is from Latin longus, "long" and caudus, "tail". The name "Bartram's sandpiper" was made popular by Alexander Wilson, who was taught ornithology and natural history illustration by Bartram.

Source: Wikipedia — Upland sandpiper Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Slim, small-headed sandpiper with a long neck, large dark eye, short straight bill, and a long tail; mottled buff-brown overall. Often stands tall in grass.

Similar species. Its upright, long-necked, small-headed shape in grassland is distinctive; unlikely to be confused if seen well.

Voice. An unforgettable bubbling 'wolf-whistle' — a rising then falling 'whoooo-leeee' often given in flight.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Invertebrates probed from mud, sand, or shallow water.

Behavior. A grassland sandpiper, not a shorebird of mudflats; perches on fenceposts with wings raised on landing and gives an eerie 'wolf-whistle' over prairies and airfields.

§ Range

Northern Great Plains, NE US in summer; winters in South America

§ Habitat

Native prairies, hay fields, grassy airfields

§ Threats

Native grassland loss, early-mowing kills nestlings.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the upland sandpiper is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support grassland conservation. Delay mowing.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List