Spotted Sandpiper

Taxobox
name = Spotted Sandpiper
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1

---

image_caption = Breeding plumage
image_width = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Charadriiformes
familia = Scolopacidae
genus = "Actitis"
species = "A. macularia"
binomial = "Actitis macularia"
binomial_authority = (Linnaeus, 1766)
synonyms ="Tringa macularia" Taxobox_authority | author = Linnaeus | date = 1766

The Spotted Sandpiper ("Actitis macularia") is a small shorebird, 18-20 cm long. Together with its sister species, the Common Sandpiper ("A. hypoleucos") they make up the genus "Actitis". They replace each other geographically; stray birds may settle down with breeders of the other species and hybridize.

Their breeding habitat is near fresh water across most of Canada and the United States. They migrate to the southern United States and South America, and are very rare vagrants to western Europe. These are not gregarious birds and are seldom seen in flocks.

Adults have short yellowish legs and an orange bill with a dark tip. The body is brown on top and white underneath with black spots. Non-breeding birds, depicted below, do not have the spotted underparts, and are very similar to the Common Sandpiper of Eurasia; the main difference is the more washed-out wing pattern visible in flight and the normally light yellow legs and feet of the Spotted Sandpiper. The "Acititis" species have a distinctive stiff-winged flight low over the water.

Spotted Sandpipers nest on the ground. Females may mate with more than one male, leaving incubation to them.

These birds forage on ground or water, picking up food by sight. They may also catch insects in flight. They eat insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. As they forage, they can be recognized by their constant nodding and teetering.

Listen
filename=Spotted Sandpiper.ogg
title=Spotted Sandpiper call
description=The call of the Spotted Sandpiper
format=Ogg

References

* Vinicombe, Keith (2006) ID in depth: Spotted Sandpiper "Birdwatch" 171: 29-31

External links

* [http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Spotted_Sandpiper.html Spotted Sandpiper Species Account] - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
* [http://www.sdakotabirds.com/species/spotted_sandpiper_info.htm Spotted Sandpiper Information and Photos] - South Dakota Birds and Birding
* [http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i2630id.html Spotted Sandpiper "Actitis macularia"] - USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter