Limnodromus semipalmatus
The Asian Dowitcher, *Limnodromus semipalmatus*, is a striking medium-sized shorebird, measuring 33-36 cm (13-14 in) in length with a wingspan of approximately 66 cm (26 in) and weighing between 145-290 g. Its most distinctive feature is a remarkably long, straight, and relatively stout black bill, often with a pale olive-green base, which it uses to probe deeply into mud. In breeding plumage, adults are resplendent with rich rufous underparts, heavily barred flanks, and a dark, streaked back...
Breeds in sparse coastal tundra, marshes, and river deltas in Arctic Siberia. During migration and winter, it favors coastal mudflats, estuaries, saline lagoons, and sometimes rice paddies at low elevations.
Primarily carnivorous, feeding on marine worms, insect larvae, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates found by probing in mud and shallow water.
Asian Dowitchers are typically diurnal, spending much of their time actively foraging, often in dense flocks during migration and winter. They employ a characteristic 'sewing machine' motion, rapidly probing their long bills into soft mud or shallow water to detect prey. While generally gregariou...
The Asian Dowitcher breeds exclusively in scattered pockets across the remote Arctic and subarctic tundras of northeastern Siberia, primarily from the Taimyr Peninsula eastwards through the Lena Delta to the Kolyma Delta. After breeding, it undertakes an epic southward migration along the East As...
Near Threatened
- The Asian Dowitcher is the only species of dowitcher found outside of the Americas. - Its distinctive 'sewing machine' foraging technique allows it to rapidly probe vast areas of mud for prey. - Despite its 'dowitcher' name, meaning 'long-billed snipe' in Algonquin, it is not a true snipe, but ...