Calidris maritima
The Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima) is a robust, medium-sized shorebird, typically measuring 20-22 cm in length with a wingspan of 42-46 cm and weighing 60-100 grams. Its name is derived from the subtle purplish sheen on its dark grey upperparts, which can be difficult to discern in the field, often appearing simply very dark. Distinctive field marks include short, bright yellow legs, a relatively short bill with a yellow-orange base and dark tip, and a preference for rocky shorelines ra...
Found primarily on rocky coastlines, jetties, and breakwaters during migration and winter; breeds on barren Arctic tundra, typically near water sources or rocky outcrops.
Primarily consumes marine invertebrates such as small crustaceans (amphipods, isopods), mollusks (periwinkles, mussels), marine worms, and insects, foraging by probing and picking from rocky substrates and tide pools.
Diurnal and highly active, Purple Sandpipers spend their days foraging tirelessly, especially around tidal cycles, often roosting communally on high rocks when not feeding. Their foraging strategy involves probing crevices with their bill, picking invertebrates off algae-covered rocks, and a char...
The Purple Sandpiper is a species of the North Atlantic. Its primary breeding grounds span the high Arctic, encompassing remote regions such as Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, Novaya Zemlya, and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. During the non-breeding season, these hardy birds migrate south to the ...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'maritima' literally means 'of the sea,' reflecting its strong association with coastal environments. - It is one of the most cold-hardy shorebirds in the world, regularly wintering in regions with harsh icy conditions. - Unlike most sandpipers, which prefer sandy or muddy f...