The Baird's Sandpiper is a common migrant in
South Dakota in both the spring and the fall. They are one of a very few
shorebirds who will stop at high mountain lakes during migration. Unlike
many other small sandpipers, they feed by picking items from the mud or water's
surface, rather than by probing into the mud.
Habitat: Small
pools, shorelines, mudflats, and fields. Can often be found in drier
habitat during migration than some other small sandpipers.
Diet: Not well known, but primarily insects, along with spiders
and other invertebrates. Will also take amphipods and other small
crustaceans.
Behavior: Actively walks along the shoreline or in
shallow water, picking food items from the surface of the water or the
ground.
Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota
Song: A low krrrrt.
Migration: Summers in the Arctic, winters in South
America. Unlike many shorebirds which migrate north through the Great
Plains but migrate south in the fall along the Atlantic Coast or elsewhere,
Baird's Sandpipers are common migrants through South Dakota in both spring
and fall.
Status: Generally stable.
2)
Cornell University's "All About Birds - Baird's Sandpiper"
3)
eNature.com:
Baird's Sandpiper
Photo Information: July 29th, 2007 - Lake Thompson, Kingsbury County, South Dakota - Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or
text links below for additional, higher-resolution Baird's Sandpiper photos.
