Calidris alba
The Sanderling, *Calidris alba*, is a small, energetic shorebird, instantly recognizable by its distinctive foraging style and striking plumage. Averaging 18-21 cm in length with a wingspan of 35-40 cm and weighing 40-100g, it is one of the most widespread "peeps" of coastal environments. In breeding plumage, it sports a warm rufous or chestnut wash on its head, neck, and upper breast, contrasting with a mottled dark back. However, its most familiar form to many is its non-breeding (winter) p...
Predominantly found on sandy beaches and shorelines in non-breeding seasons, ranging from tropical to temperate zones. During the breeding season, they inhabit barren Arctic tundra, often near freshwater sources or polygonal ground.
Primarily consumes small marine invertebrates, such as amphipods, small crabs, marine worms, and mollusks, gleaned from wet sand. On breeding grounds, their diet shifts to insect larvae, beetles, and other terrestrial invertebrates found on the tundra.
Sanderlings are highly diurnal, spending most daylight hours actively foraging along the water's edge, particularly on open sandy beaches. Their characteristic foraging involves a frantic run after receding waves, pausing briefly to probe the wet sand with their bills, then dashing away from inco...
The Sanderling boasts one of the most extensive breeding and wintering ranges of any shorebird, making it a truly cosmopolitan species. Its breeding grounds are circumpolar, spanning the High Arctic tundra of North America (including Alaska and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago), Greenland, Europe ...
Least Concern
- Sanderlings are one of the few shorebirds that entirely lack a hind toe, an adaptation believed to aid in their rapid movement across sandy substrates. - They are true globe-trotters, undertaking some of the longest migratory journeys of any bird, traveling from the High Arctic to the southern ...