Sandpipers are a large family of shorebirds that are commonly found along coastlines, beaches, and mudflats worldwide. There are over 20 different species of sandpipers that have been identified. The most well-known sandpipers include the common sandpiper, the spotted sandpiper, the upland sandpiper, and the sanderling. Sandpipers get their name from their habit of feeding along sandy shorelines and beaches, where they use their characteristic pecking motion to pick small invertebrates out of the sand. Their bills are specially adapted to allow them to detect prey by touch. The term “sandpiper” refers to the entire family Scolopacidae. Within this family, sandpipers belong to their own subfamily, Calidridinae. So in summary, sandpipers are called sandpipers because of their habitat preference for sandy beaches and their specialized feeding behavior of probing for food in the sand. The name refers to the entire group of shorebirds in the Scolopacidae family.
Naming of Sandpipers
Sandpipers belong to the order Charadriiformes, which includes shorebirds, gulls and auks. The sandpiper family Scolopacidae is then divided into subfamilies, tribes and individual species. There are 7 subfamilies within Scolopacidae:
- Scolopacinae – Woodcocks and snipes
- Gallinagoninae – Snipe
- Tringinae – Tringas, yellowlegs, phalaropes
- Xeninae – Turnstones, oystercatchers
- Arenariinae – Ruddy turnstone
- Calidridinae – Sandpipers
- Limnodrominae – Dowitchers
The Calidridinae subfamily contains the “true” sandpipers. This subfamily is further divided into tribes and genera:
- Tribe Calidririni – Includes the genus Calidris
- Tribe Tryngitini – Includes the genera Limicola and Tryngites
- Tribe Crocethiini – Includes the genera Philomachus and Crocethia
The most common sandpiper species belong to the genus Calidris:
- Sanderling – Calidris alba
- Dunlin – Calidris alpina
- Baird’s sandpiper – Calidris bairdii
- Least sandpiper – Calidris minutilla
- White-rumped sandpiper – Calidris fuscicollis
- Pectoral sandpiper – Calidris melanotos
- Semipalmated sandpiper – Calidris pusilla
- Western sandpiper – Calidris mauri
- Short-billed dowitcher – Limnodromus griseus
So in taxonomy, sandpipers are classified first as Scolopacidae (sandpipers and allies), then Calidridinae (sandpipers), and finally into their individual genera and species names. The common name “sandpiper” can refer to any shorebird in the sandpiper subfamily.
Physical Characteristics of Sandpipers
Sandpipers share some common physical features that adapt them for their coastal shorebird habitat:
- Size: Sandpipers range in size from the 5-inch least sandpiper to the 12-inch Far Eastern curlew. Most species are 6 to 9 inches in length.
- Bill shape: Sandpipers have long, tapered bills that are slightly curved downward. This allows them to easily probe into mud or sand.
- Plumage: Most sandpipers have drab, camouflaging plumage in browns, grays, and whites during the breeding season. In winter, the plumage is gray above and white below.
- Legs: Long legs allow wading in shallow water. Most species have yellowish legs, and some have dark gray or greenish legs.
- Toes: Sandpipers have four toes. The front toe is connected by a small web, which provides extra surface area for walking on mud. The three front toes are extra-long and flexible.
- Wings: Narrow, pointed wings allow rapid takeoff and flight maneuvers. Sandpipers have a swift, erratic flight pattern with rapid wing beats.
These physical adaptations allow sandpipers to easily wade and probe through intertidal mudflats, beaches and marshes in search of invertebrate prey. Their plumage provides camouflage, while their legs and specialized bill facilitate feeding. Compared to other shorebirds, sandpipers are generally smaller in size and have more rounded bodies.
Habitats and Behaviors of Sandpipers
Sandpipers inhabit a variety of coastal wetland and beach habitats:
- Mudflats
- Salt marshes
- Tidal pools
- Lagoons
- Estuaries
- Sandy beaches
- Rocky intertidal zones
Sandpipers forage and nest in these habitats. They mainly eat small invertebrates like insects, crustaceans, worms, mollusks and tiny clams. Their specialized feeding behaviors include:
- Probing – Inserting their long bills into mud or sand to catch buried prey
- Sewing machine action – Rapidly probing up and down
- Pecking
- Surface pecking
- Water stirring
Sandpipers exhibit interesting displays and social behaviors:
- Migrating in large, mixed-species flocks
- Nesting in solitary pairs or loose colonies
- Distinctive breeding displays like aerial flights and ritualized poses
- Polygamous breeding systems; males mate with multiple females
- Vocalizations include trilling, whistling and piping calls
Their adaptations allow them to thrive in the challenging intertidal zone. Migrating in flocks provides safety, while their mating strategies maximize breeding success.
Species of Sandpipers
Common Sandpiper
The common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) is widespread across Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia. Identifying features include:
- 7-8 inches long
- Brown upperparts; white underparts
- White stripe on wing when in flight
- Constant tail bobbing
- Distinctive high-pitched trilling call
They breed solitarily along rivers and lakes, and forage by walking in shallow water and along shorelines.
Spotted Sandpiper
This sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is common across North America. Identifying features are:
- 6.5-7.5 inches long
- Brown upperparts with white spots; white underparts
- Bold white wing stripe visible during flight
- Constant teetering tail motion
- Stiff whistled “weet” calls
Spotted sandpipers breed near freshwater wetlands and winter along coastlines. They are highly polygamous, with males mating with several females.
Upland Sandpiper
The upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) inhabits grasslands and fields. Identifying features are:
- 11-13 inches long
- Speckled brown, black and white upperparts
- White underparts; long yellow legs
- Long neck and small head
- Distinctive whistled song flight
Unlike other sandpipers, these birds only visit coastal areas during migration and winter periods.
Sanderling
The sanderling (Calidris alba) is a small sandpiper that breeds in the Arctic tundra. Identifying features are:
- 6.5-8 inches long
- Pale gray/white during winter; reddish-brown during breeding season
- Black legs and bill
- Constantly runs/dashes along beaches
- No hind toe
Sanderlings are found worldwide along sandy beaches and are highly gregarious.
Semipalmated Sandpiper
This small sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) breeds in the northern tundra. Identifying features are:
- 5.5-6.5 inches long
- Gray-brown upperparts; white underparts
- Black legs; short stubby bill
- Partial webbing between toes
- Small flocks migrate long distances
They winter along muddy coastlines from the U.S. to South America.
Migration of Sandpipers
Most sandpipers are migratory, breeding in northern latitudes during the summer and migrating long distances to wintering grounds in warmer southern regions. Some key aspects of sandpiper migration:
- Many species complete astonishingly long migrations from Arctic breeding areas to wintering grounds in South America. Round-trip migrations can be 18,000 miles or more.
- Sandpipers migrate rapidly in large flocks called “waves” that follow precise synchronizations and schedules.
- Flocks may contain thousands of birds and multiple species together.
- Most migration happens along coastlines and barrier islands.
- Sandpipers make long nonstop flights of 2,500-4,500 miles over open water by riding pressure systems and surface winds.
- Some flocks follow interior continental routes between stopover sites.
- Juveniles migrate separately from adults and winter in different locations.
- Migration routes and wintering sites are genetically programmed behaviors.
The immense migration of sandpipers is an awe-inspiring phenomenon. Their ability to fly such extreme distances in challenging conditions speaks to the resilience and adaptability of these small shorebirds.
Threats and Conservation
Many sandpiper species are declining in population due to a variety of threats:
- Habitat loss – Coastal development, drainage of wetlands, pollution
- Disturbance – Human recreation, vehicles on beaches
- Overharvest – Historical hunting for food, sport and feathers
- Predators – Hawks, falcons, gulls, foxes, cats
- Climate change – Sea level rise, storms, warming temperatures
Conservation actions needed:
- Preserve wetlands, beaches, mudflats – Protect habitat
- Limit human disturbance – Curb shoreline recreation
- Reduce predation – Control foxes/gulls
- Study effects of climate change – Track populations
- Continue legal protections – Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act
Targeted conservation efforts for sandpipers focus on protecting coastal ecosystems and minimizing human impacts during breeding, migration and wintering. Maintaining the chain of suitable habitats along migratory routes is crucial for preserving populations of these unique birds.
Significance of Sandpipers
Although small, sandpipers play an important ecological role:
- As prey – Food source for raptors, gulls, sharks, fish
- Population control – Help regulate invertebrate numbers
- Nutrient cycling – Feces contribute marine nutrients to land
- Ecosystem indicators – Status denotes health of intertidal zones
- Inspiration – Amazing migratory abilities and resilience
Beyond ecology, sandpipers contribute to human society in other ways:
- Birdwatching tourism – Popular subjects for nature observation
- Hunting – Historically hunted for meat and eggs
- Feathers – Used decoratively and as fishing lures
- Research – Extensively studied to reveal migratory patterns and physiology
From controlling prey populations to inspiring scientists, the importance of sandpipers extends far beyond their small stature and unassuming nature. Protecting these shorebirds means preserving interconnected coastal and wetland ecosystems that benefit both wildlife and people.
Conclusion
Sandpipers comprise a diverse family of shorebirds perfectly adapted to intertidal habitats worldwide. Their probing behavior and migrations along beaches give them their common name. While small, sandpipers provide vital ecosystem services and inspire human society with their resilience and beauty. However, they face severe threats from coastal development and climate change. Targeted conservation efforts focused on protecting coastal wetlands and minimizing disturbance will be critical to preserve populations of sandpipers into the future. Their declining numbers serve as barometers of the overall health of coastal ecosystems. Ensuring that the amazing migrations of sandpipers continue each year should be a top priority for conservationists and wildlife managers across the globe.
