A small sandpiper with conspicuous white rump patch visible in flight. Migrates the longest distance of any small US shorebird — Arctic to southern South America.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The white-rumped sandpiper is a small migratory shorebird that breeds in the northern tundra of Canada and Alaska. This bird can be difficult to distinguish from other similar tiny shorebirds; these are known collectively as "peeps" or "stints". In flight, it is more easily picked out by its namesake white rump.
Source: Wikipedia — White-rumped sandpiper Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Small sandpiper whose folded wingtips extend past the tail tip; shows a clean white rump band in flight (unique among the small peeps), with fine streaking down the flanks.
Similar species. Other peeps (Semipalmated, Least, Baird's) lack the all-white rump band; the long wings and white rump are key.
Voice. A high, thin, mouse-like 'jeet' — insect-like and distinctive.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Invertebrates probed from mud, sand, or shallow water.
Behavior. A long-distance migrant 'peep' that travels from the high Arctic to southern South America; on the ground its long wings project well past the tail.
§ Range
Across North America during migration
§ Habitat
Coastal mudflats, prairie wetlands
§ Threats
Habitat loss across migration routes, climate change.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the white-rumped sandpiper is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support coastal protection. Reduce pollution.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — White-rumped sandpiper
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Calidris fuscicollis
- IUCN Red List — search for Calidris fuscicollis
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Calidris fuscicollis
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
