Western Sandpiper -- South Dakota Birds

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

The Western Sandpiper is a very close relative of the Semipalmated Sandpiper, and the two can be very difficult to differentiate between.  While many can be found on both U.S. coastlines during the winter, they also migrate southward as far as southern South America.    Massive flocks can be found in key migration stopover sites along the West Coast in the Fall.

Habitat: On summer breeding grounds, prefers tundra slopes with a low brush and nearby wetlands.  In migration and winter, they can be found on mudflats, sandy beaches, and tidal estuaries.  

Diet: Primarily east insects, spiders, and small crustaceans on its summer breeding grounds.  In winter and in migration, diet varies by location, but may include amphipods, small crustaceans and mollusks, marine worms, insects, and seeds.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Thin cheet.  To listen to this bird, click here to go to the "E-nature.com" site for the Western Sandpiper, and click on "listen to this species".

Migrations: Breeds in Alaska and western Siberia.  Winters on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North and South America.

Similar Species: Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper

Status: Generally abundant, but vulnerable to declines from habitat loss due to its preference for a few key stopover points during migration.  

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Western Sandpiper

2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Western Sandpiper

3) E-nature.com -- Western Sandpiper

Photo Information: Photo courtesy of George Jameson.

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This page was last edited on 02/03/08