Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

The smallest of the "peeps", the group of tiny sandpipers that migrate through the state.  The most common of the tiny sandpipers to migrate through the state, a primary identification key are the pale yellow legs.   

Habitat: Mudflats, shallow marshes, flooded fields, shorelines.

Diet: Varied, including insects, small crustaceans, snails, and seeds. 

Breeding: Non-Breeder in South Dakota

Song: High thin keee-eeet.

Migrations: Many winter in the Southern United States, while some migrate to northern South America.

Similar Species: Semipalmated Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper

Conservation Status: Populations are generally stable

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Least Sandpiper

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Least Sandpiper"

3) E-nature.com: Least Sandpiper

Photo Information: May 14th, 2004 -- Madison Waterfowl Production Area -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Least Sandpiper photos.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08