To many birders, the word ‘sandpiper’ will immediately conjure up a specific image: small, rotund birds with medium-length, thin and pointy bills, scuttling along shorelines on absurdly quick, clockwork-like legs as they follow the tide in and out. The sight of them in frantic retreat as the water surges in, then about-turning with lightning speed to follow the waves as they recede to sea, revealing juicy morsels from the churned-up sand, is one of the most treasured to watch. In this blog, we look at four species in this accidentally amusing and often hard to identify wader family.
The sandpiper bird family is a large and diverse group of small to medium-sized wading birds that can be seen along coastlines, marshes, and wetlands across the globe. Adored for their delicate, probing bills and agile movements as they search for food along the water’s edge, they are, however, remarkably similar in appearance, which often makes species identification a challenge even for seasoned birdwatchers.
In August 2024, a Baird’s Sandpiper was sighted at RSPB Frampton Marsh, a nature reserve on the east coast of England. The breeding range of Baird’s sandpipers is restricted to the high Arctic of North America, northwest Greenland and northeast Siberia, and their wintering grounds are in South America, so most years it is possible to find storm-blown Baird’s on the west coast of Ireland and Great Britain during migration season. However, spotting one across the other side of England is a noteworthy occasion, particularly so given that even correctly identifying sandpipers is a daunting task.
The name “sandpiper” is derived from the birds’ habit of frequenting sandy shores and their distinctive, high-pitched calls – piping high notes into the briny sea breeze. These birds are almost always seen on beaches, mudflats, and rocky shorelines, where they search for insects, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. Their constant movement and “piping” calls are iconic, making them a familiar yet elusive presence on coastal landscapes. We often hear them before seeing them, but once we see them, pinning down specific details can be tricky given their movement and cryptic camouflage helping them blend in with their surroundings. Many sandpipers share similar body shapes, sizes, and plumage patterns, particularly during non-breeding seasons when their colors are more muted. Add in the fact that these birds are often seen in mixed flocks, and the task becomes even more daunting. However, with careful observation and a bit of knowledge about specific species, it is possible to distinguish between different sandpipers.
The Purple Sandpiper is a hardy species often found along rocky coasts, particularly in the winter months. Unlike many other sandpipers, which prefer sandy or muddy habitats, the Purple Sandpiper is well-adapted to rough, wave-battered shorelines. It gets its name from the slight purple sheen visible on its feathers in good light, though unfortunately, this is often difficult to see. Key identification features include short yellowish legs and a bill that is slightly drooped at the tip. In flight, the Purple Sandpiper shows a distinctive white wing-stripe, which can help differentiate it from similar species.
The Semipalmated Sandpiper is one of the most common sandpipers found in North America during migration. Its name refers to the slight webbing (or “palmation”) between its toes, which is a feature that can be hard to observe in the field. This small sandpiper is best identified by its compact size, short black bill, and relatively plain, grayish-brown plumage. During migration, it is often seen in large flocks on mudflats and beaches. Compared to other similar species, like the Western Sandpiper, the Semipalmated Sandpiper has a shorter, straighter bill and less rufous coloration in its plumage.
The Spotted Sandpiper is unique among sandpipers due to its distinctive breeding plumage, which features bold black spots on its white underparts. This species is commonly found near freshwater bodies as well as coastal areas. One of the easiest ways to identify a Spotted Sandpiper is by its behavior: it constantly bobs its tail up and down as it walks, a trait known as “teetering.” In non-breeding plumage, it loses its spots but retains this characteristic behavior. The Spotted Sandpiper also has a distinctive flight pattern, with stiff, shallow wingbeats that are unlike those of most other sandpipers.
Closely related to the Spotted Sandpiper, the Common Sandpiper is found across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It shares many behavioral traits with the Spotted Sandpiper, including the teetering motion. However, it lacks the bold spots during the breeding season and generally has a more uniform brown upperpart. The Common Sandpiper is most easily confused with the Green Sandpiper, but it can be distinguished by its smaller size and the white spur that extends from its breast along the folded wing.
