White-rumped Sandpiper -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 7.25 inches | Wingspan: 14.5 inches | Seasonality: Migrant |
| ID Keys: White rump (visible in flight). Also black legs, fine streaks on breast and sides, wingtips extending beyond tail. | ||
|
|
|
|
White-rumped Sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollis
A fairly plain sandpiper, somewhat difficult to differentiate from other similarly sized sandpipers, until it takes flight and the white rump becomes obvious (see bottom photo). The White-rumped Sandpiper is a very long-distance migrant, summering in the Arctic and wintering as far south as the outer islands of Antarctica. They migrate through in large groups, often stopping at select, traditional locations, making them potentially vulnerable to habitat loss along the migration route.
Habitat: During migration, found in mudflats, flooded fields, shallow marshes, beaches, sandbars, and other similar habitats. Breeds on low grassy tundra in and around the Arctic.
Diet: Insect and insect larvae, marine worms, mollusks, crustaceans, leaches, seeds, and other vegetation.
Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota.
Song: High-pitched, squeaky jeeet.
Migrations: Summers in and near the Arctic. Winters in southern South America.
Similar Species: Western Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper
Status: Vulnerable to habitat loss in its migration path, but generally stable.
Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, White-rumped Sandpiper
2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - White-rumped Sandpiper
3) eNature.com - White-rumped Sandpiper
Photo Information: June 2nd, 2002 -- Long Lake near Madison - Terry L. Sohl
Proud Member Of:
Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08