The Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) is a large shorebird species found primarily in North America. Its breeding range spans across much of the Great Plains, Midwest, and into Canada, while its wintering grounds are located in southern South America. In this article, we will explore the geographic range and habitat of the Upland Sandpiper in more detail.
Breeding Range and Habitat
The Upland Sandpiper breeds across the prairies, grasslands, pastures, and agricultural fields of central North America. Its core breeding range centers on the Great Plains region, extending from southern Canada down through the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, eastern Colorado and New Mexico, and into the Texas panhandle.
This species can be found as far east as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. Along the west coast, small breeding populations occur in Washington, Oregon, and California. The grasslands of southern Canada, including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, host significant numbers of breeding Upland Sandpipers from May to August each year.
Ideal breeding habitat for the Upland Sandpiper consists of large open expanses of native grasslands, pastures, hayfields, wet meadows, prairie wetlands, and croplands. They prefer areas with a mix of short ground vegetation and bare ground for feeding and nesting concealment. Greener and lusher fields are avoided. Proximity to fence posts, utility lines or other elevated perches is also important habitat components.
Key Breeding Areas
- Great Plains grasslands
- Midwestern prairies and agricultural areas
- Canadian Prairie Provinces
Wintering Range and Habitat
During the non-breeding season from September to March, the Upland Sandpiper migrates to southern South America. Its core wintering grounds are centered in Argentina and Uruguay. Other significant wintering populations occur in Paraguay, southern Brazil, and Bolivia.
The grasslands and agricultural fields of the Pampas region of eastern Argentina and Uruguay hold the highest densities of wintering Upland Sandpipers. They roost in open habitats including pastures, croplands, wet savannas, and along the sandy beaches and mudflats of rivers and lakes.
Key Wintering Areas
- Pampas grasslands of Argentina and Uruguay
- Southern Brazil
- Eastern Paraguay
- Bolivia
Migration Routes
The Upland Sandpiper undertakes an extremely long distance migration between its breeding and wintering grounds. After leaving the breeding grounds in late summer, the southbound migration takes a route through the Great Plains andTexas, before traversing Central America and heading out over the Caribbean Sea.
From there, the migration path continues down the north coast of South America, through Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, and Brazil before finally arriving in Argentina and surrounding regions. Northbound migrants in spring follow the same pathway in reverse.
A significant portion of the migration occurs over land through the Great Plains grasslands. Major spring stopover sites are found along the Missouri River, Platte River, and other Great Plains rivers where the birds rest and feed in wet meadows.
Key Migration Stopovers
- Great Plains river systems
- Central American coastlines
- Northern coast of South America
Population and Conservation Status
The Upland Sandpiper has an extremely large global population estimated up to 1 million individual birds. However, its numbers have declined significantly since the late 1800s with habitat loss, and the species is considered Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List. The conversion of native grasslands to agriculture across their breeding range has caused widespread declines.
On their wintering grounds in South America, habitat loss to agriculture is also considered a threat. To help conserve declining populations, protection of remaining grassland habitats through easements, land acquisition, and working lands initiatives on private property are the primary strategies.
Population Estimate | Up to 1 million birds |
---|---|
Population Trend | Declining |
IUCN Red List Status | Near Threatened |
Key Threats | Habitat loss on breeding and wintering grounds |
Interesting Facts About the Upland Sandpiper
- Has one of the longest migrations of any shorebird, traveling over 8,000 miles roundtrip each year between South America and North America.
- Often perches on fence posts and utility lines while foraging in fields.
- Uses a distraction display to lure predators away from its nest by dragging a wing on the ground.
- Relies on cryptic coloration to blend into open grassy habitats and avoid predators.
- Their eggs are pear-shaped rather than oval like most other shorebirds.
Conclusion
In summary, the Upland Sandpiper is found across the Great Plains grasslands and prairies of North America during the breeding season. It migrates extraordinarily long distances to overwinter in the Pampas grasslands and agricultural areas of southern South America. Preserving its threatened grassland habitats across both continents through conservation partnerships and initiatives is key to the long-term viability of this species. Unique adaptations like cryptic coloration and distraction displays have allowed the Upland Sandpiper to thrive as a flagship prairie shorebird.