The Pectoral Sandpiper gets its name from the distinctive coloring on its chest or “pectoral” region. Here’s a quick overview of where this bird’s name comes from:
What is a Pectoral Sandpiper?
The Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) is a medium-sized shorebird that breeds in the arctic tundra of North America and Eurasia. It migrates long distances to wintering grounds in South America. This species is named for its colorful “pectoral” or chest region.
Description of the Pectoral Sandpiper
During breeding season, the Pectoral Sandpiper has distinctive rust-colored feathers on its chest and belly. This rich, reddish-brown coloration extends up from the lower breast to the throat. The rest of the bird’s plumage is grayish-brown on the back and wings, with yellowish legs. The female Pectoral Sandpiper is slightly larger than the male.
In non-breeding season, the pectoral area fades to gray, making it less conspicuous. But the name “Pectoral” refers to the colorful breeding plumage on the chest that gives this bird its name.
Origin of “Pectoral” in the Name
The term “pectoral” comes from the Latin word “pectus” meaning breast or chest. Ornithologists chose this descriptive term to refer to the distinguishing reddish-brown chest plumage of the Pectoral Sandpiper in breeding season.
Other bird species also have “pectoral” in their common names, referring to distinctive chest plumage patterns. For example:
- Pectoral Sparrow
- Red-capped Pectoral
- Pectoral Seedeater
So for the Pectoral Sandpiper, the name directly refers to its most striking physical feature – the colorful chest feathers that inspired its descriptive moniker.
Other Names for this Species
The Pectoral Sandpiper is known by several other common names including:
- Grass Snipe
- Jacksnipe
- Meadow Snipe
- Brown-breasted Sandpiper
But its official, standardized common name remains the Pectoral Sandpiper, due to the ornithological tradition of using “pectoral” to describe its chest plumage.
Conclusion
In summary, the Pectoral Sandpiper gets its name directly from its most distinctive physical feature during breeding season – the rich, reddish-brown plumage on its chest or “pectoral” region. Early ornithologists chose this name because of how the colorful chest feathers stand out compared to the rest of its plumage. The Latin root “pectoral” refers to the breast or chest, making it an apt description of this shorebird’s most prominent marking.
Summary
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Origin of “Pectoral” Name |
|---|---|---|
| Pectoral Sandpiper | Calidris melanotos | Refers to reddish-brown chest plumage |
