Calidris himantopus
The Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus) is an elegant, medium-sized shorebird, characterized by its remarkably long, slender, greenish-yellow legs, reminiscent of stilts. Measuring approximately 18-23 cm (7-9 inches) in length with a wingspan of 38-46 cm (15-18 inches) and weighing 50-85 grams (1.8-3 oz), it exhibits striking seasonal plumage variations. During breeding season, adults boast heavily barred flanks and an intricately patterned back with rufous and black markings, set against a...
Primarily found in shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, and tundra pools during the breeding season, transitioning to coastal mudflats, brackish lagoons, and saline lake shores in its non-breeding range. Prefers areas with soft substrates for probing.
Feeds primarily on aquatic invertebrates, including the larvae of chironomid midges, crane flies, caddisflies, and beetles, along with small crustaceans, marine worms, and mollusks. Its specialized bill allows for deep probing into soft substrates.
Stilt Sandpipers are highly active diurnal foragers, often seen wading belly-deep in water or probing in shallow mud. Their signature feeding technique involves a rapid, repetitive vertical probing motion of the bill, resembling a 'sewing machine' action, as they sweep their heads from side to si...
The Stilt Sandpiper is an obligate Neotropical migrant with a vast distribution. Its breeding range encompasses the high Arctic tundra of North America, stretching across Alaska, the Canadian Arctic archipelago, and parts of the mainland Northwest Territories and Nunavut. During their epic autumn...
Least Concern
- Stilt Sandpipers undertake one of the longest migratory journeys of any shorebird, traveling up to 15,000 miles (24,000 km) round trip annually from the Arctic to southern South America. - Their unique 'sewing machine' feeding technique, a rapid, repetitive probing and sweeping motion, is highl...