Juvenile © Dorian Anderson
Nonbreeding adult © Denny Swaby
Juvenile © Brian Sullivan
Juvenile © Luke Seitz
+ 4
Juvenile © Luke Seitz
Breeding adult © Ian Davies
In flight (with Western Sandpiper) © Margaret Viens

Leirutíta Calidris bairdii

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Long-winged, long-distance migrant similar to White-rumped Sandpiper but with warmer buffy-tan plumage. Elongated body gives a horizontal impression when foraging; unique flattened oval shape when seen head-on. Black bill and brown rump. Breeding adults rather pale with large black spots on back. Crisp juveniles show neat scaly pattern on wings and back and have a warm buffy face and neck. Often with flocks of other small shorebirds, but prefers drier habitats, such as the grassy edge of a mudflat, seaweed-covered upper portion of a beach, or sod field. Breeds in the Arctic tundra; winters in South America.

POWERED BY MERLIN