Lesson 3: 'Peep' Sandpipers Flashcards

Question

What bird is this? ## Footnote Photo by [Hans Hillewaert](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calidris_alba_(breeding_plumage).jpg)

Answer 1

Sanderling | Breeding plumage ## Footnote Sanderling are known for their strongly contrasting **white-and-black plumage**, so you would be forgiven for thinking you were looking at a totally different bird! What you are looking at is the same bird but in *breeding plumage*. In summer, males develop a **patchwork quilt of black, white, and rusty spots** on their backs and heads. However, their bellies remain as pure white and unmarked as they are in winter plumage, which is helpful for ID.

Answer 2

Males develop **rufous backs, heads, and chests** but retain their pure white undersides.

Answer 3

They **scuttle in flocks along the tide line**, probing the sand as a wave retreats, and then **running away from the surf** as it comes back up the beach. ## Footnote It is rather comical to watch!

Answer 4

Dunlin | Non-breeding plumage ## Footnote In the non-breeding season, the Dunlin is **one of the plainest peeps** with a dull brownish back and white belly (the long, drooping bill is key for identification). In fact, the name "Dunlin" originates from the word "dun", which means dull brown and the term *dunling* which means "little brown one."

Answer 5

False ## Footnote While Dunlin winter along both the east and west coasts of North America, they **rarely venture inland**. They also tend to be the latest of the sandpipers migrating through in the fall.

Answer 6

Least Sandpiper | Non-breeding plumage ## Footnote In winter, Least Sandpiper lose their lovely chestnut coloring—as do most of the peeps that exhibit color during the breeding season—BUT they keep their **yellow legs** and, of course, their **overall size and shape** remain the same Remember, its diminuitive size is really the hallmark trait of this tiny shorebird. Also note its medium-sized, **slightly downcurved bill.**

Answer 7

Red Knot | Breeding plumage ## Footnote The **rich red plumage**, medium-length **stocky bills**, intricately red-white-and-black speckled backs, and **coastal marine habitat** all tell us these are Red Knot.

Answer 8

Sanderling | Non-breeding plumage ## Footnote The **dark shoulder patch** is diagnostic of Sanderling. Also note their pure white bellies, necks, and faces and jet black legs and bills. In fact, in their non-breeding plumage, Sanderling are the **most black-and-white** of all the sandpipers so look for that white face, pure white belly, dark shoulder patch, and jet black legs and bill. Where can you find them? Sanderling love sandy beaches, where you will find them running along the tide line, foraging; although they can and do show up at ponds and mudflats during migration.

Answer 9

Dunlin | Breeding plumage ## Footnote In the breeding season, Dunlin develop a rufous cap and back, and an **extensive black belly patch**. Always remember to be on the lookout for that **long, drooping black bill** as it's diagnostic of the species! In flight, the Dunlin shows a **bold white wing stripe** (the second most prominent of the peeps), and a dark line down the center of the otherwise white rump and tail.

Answer 10

Least Sandpiper | Breeding plumage ## Footnote Least Sandpiper tend to favor the higher, drier margins of mudflats and inland ponds for foraging. They also congregate in **smaller flocks of dozens or hundreds**, rather than thousands, like the Western Sandpiper.

Answer 11

Pectoral Sandpiper ## Footnote This medium-sized sandpiper's distinguishing feature is its **dark, densely streaked breast,** which **ends abruptly** in the white belly. Note the **sharp border** between the streaking and white in the photo. Also visible in the photo are the **white "snipe stripes"** down the reddish-brown back—another key feature of this shorebird.

Answer 12

About the **same size** as a Killdeer ## Footnote The Pectoral Sandpiper is a medium-sized sandpiper with a moderately long neck and (yellow) legs, and a slightly drooping bill.

Answer 13

1. **White “snipe stripes”** down its reddish-brown back 2. **Yellowish legs** 3. **Dark centerline** down the rump and tail 4. **Very weak wing stripe**

Answer 14

It **does not show much difference** between the breeding and non-breeding seasons.

Answer 15

Least Sandpiper are **half the size** of Pectoral Sandpiper! ## Footnote Photo by [Wildreturn](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Least_Sandpiper_with_Pectoral_Sandpiper.jpg) Least Sandpiper are the smallest species of shorebirds in North America, hence their name.

Answer 16

Western Sandpiper | Breeding plumage ## Footnote Note the **chestnut on the back, cheek, and crown**; the dark (not yellow) legs and the long, slightly drooped bill (like a Dunlin). Western Sandpiper are also **very small**—not much bigger than a Least Sandpiper. And if you look *very closely* at its left foot, you will notice some **webbing between the toes**. Western Sandpiper is one of only two peep species (the other being the Semipalmated Sandpiper) that have this webbing so it can be a very helpful diagnostic clue, if you can see it!

Answer 17

1. Chestnut on the **back, cheek, and crown** 2. Chest and sides are **heavily marked with chevrons** that extend down the flanks ## Footnote Photo by [Andy Morffew](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Western_Sandpiper_(breeding_plumage)_(6995355603).jpg) Also, in general, they have dark legs and a long, slightly drooped bill (like a Dunlin).

Answer 18

Barely larger than a Least Sandpiper. ## Footnote And a Least Sandpiper is the smallest shorebird–about the size of a sparrow—so it's pretty small!

Answer 19

Short **webbing between the toes**, which can be hard to see. ## Footnote Photo by [Alan Schmierer](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SANDPIPER,_WESTERN_(4-19-09)_strand_-07_(3453970200).jpg) With the exception of the Semipalmated Sandpiper, no other peep has this webbing so it can be a helpful clue... if you can manage to spot it!

Answer 20

Semipalmated Sandpiper ## Footnote These are small peeps, barely larger than a Least Sandpiper, with a **short, blunt-tipped bill**. They can be very hard to tell apart from the other peeps so **pay attention to bill length** because it is noticably shorter than that of the similar-looking Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, and Dunlin in non-breeding plumage. **They are also distinctly *un*colorful**, lacking the chestnut plumage of the other peeps in the breeding season.

Answer 21

The Semipalmated Sandpiper has (1) a **shorter, less drooping bill** and (2) lacks the Western's **chestnut coloring**. ## Footnote In fact, one of the Semipalmated Sandpiper's distinguishing traits is its lack of color.

Answer 22

**The season!** In winter, Semipalmated Sandpiper migrate *entirely south* of North America, while Western Sandpiper remain behind. ## Footnote In other words: if you see a peep that looks like a non-breeding Western or Semipalmated Sandpiper, and it is winter, the bird you are looking at is most likely a Western Sandpiper.

Answer 23

Western Sandpiper and Semipalmated Sandpiper

Answer 24

Least Sandpiper have: 1. A **shorter, sharp-tipped, downcurved bill** 2. **More extensive** chestnut on the back 3. **Yellow legs**, not black 4. **Lack the Western Sandpiper's chevron markings** on the breast and flanks. ## Footnote In non-breeding plumage, Least Sandpiper also have heavier barring on the chest.

Answer 25

White-rumped Sandpiper | Breeding plumage ## Footnote White-rumped Sandpiper are small shorebirds—medium-sized for a peep—that are named after their distinguishing feature: their **pure white rump!** This is always visible in flight and sometimes at rest, such as when they fluff their wings. Other useful clues for ID include: * **Long wings** that project past the tail when folded, * **Dark legs** (not yellow), * **Arrowhead streaks** on flanks (unusual for a peep), and * **Orange-brown patch** at the base of the bill’s mandible (visible in this photo)

Answer 26

1. **Wings that project past the tail,** which is unique to White-rumped and Baird’s Sandpipers. 2. **White rump,** mostly seen during flight but also sometimes when at rest. 3. **Orange-brown patch** at the base of the bill’s mandible. 4. **Arrowhead streaks on the flanks,** which is unusual for a peep. 5. **Dark legs,** not yellow.

Answer 27

Its white rump! ## Footnote Photo by [Ryan Hodnett](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White-rumped_Sandpiper_(Calidris_fuscicollis)_-_Witless_Bay,_Newfoundland_2019-08-09_(04).jpg) In the above image, the sandpiper closest to us shows off its white rump while taking a bath.

Answer 28

Their **long wings and tail stick up in the air** and bob up and down like a see-saw as they probe in the water for food. ## Footnote This behavior is reminiscent of the "oil derrick" like foraging of the Stilt Sandpiper, which is much larger and longer legged. But no other *peep* forages this way and so this behavior can be key in identifying this species!

Answer 29

Pectoral Sandpiper ## Footnote The name "Pectoral" refers to the **starkly contrasted** heavily streaked breast above and the white belly below. This is a diagnostic feature of this species so if you spot it, try to verify the following additional clues and you can be confident you have a Pectoral Sandpiper: 1. Yellowish legs 2. Slightly drooping bill 3. Size (close to a Killdeer) The latter point is important because Pectoral Sandpiper tend to look similar to Least Sandpiper, except they are *much bigger*.

Answer 30

Its dark, **heavily streaked breast** that ends abruptly in the white belly. ## Footnote Look for a **sharp border** between the streaking and white.

Answer 31

They seem much more **at home in the grass** than in the water and mud where the other sandpipers tend to forage and hang out. ## Footnote Pectoral Sandpipers are most commonly found on mudflats with short grass or weedy vegetation; on the strips of grassy land between the muddy pools.

Answer 32

There is a **significant size difference between the sexes**. ## Footnote This difference can be enough to make you think you are looking at two different species when, in fact, the males are considerably larger and about 50% heavier than the females.

Answer 33

Baird's Sandpiper | Non-breeding plumage ## Footnote The white edging to the darker back feathers gives this bird a scaly appearance. *Usually,* this **scaliness or scalloping** is a trait exhibited by juvenile shorebirds but in the case of the Baird's Sandpipers, it's one of their hallmark traits! Like the White-rumped Sandpiper, they also have **long wings** that extend past the tail and are, overall, a **very brown-and-white bird**.

Answer 34

Baird’s Sandpiper has a 1. **More “scaly” appearance** on the back 2. Slimmer bill with **no orange patch** 3. **No white rump** 4. **Darker brown breast** that ends a little more abruptly in the white belly ## Footnote Baird’s Sandpiper is otherwise very similar to White-rumped Sandpiper in shape, size, and appearance but for the above-mentioned traits.

Answer 35

Baird’s Sandpiper 1. Are **smaller** 2. Have **dark legs** (not yellow) 3. Have a **less distinct border** between the chest and belly 4. **Lack “snipe stripes”** on the back. ## Footnote Remember, Pectoral Sandpiper are about the same size as a Killdeer, making them quite a bit larger than Baird's Sandpiper.

Answer 36

White-rumped and Baird’s Sandpipers

Answer 37

Western Sandpiper | Juvenile ## Footnote Note the **chestnut stripes on the back**—juvenile Western Sandpiper have these chestnut “racing stripes”. Also note the long, **slightly drooped bill** and **blackish legs**, *not yellow*. This species can often be confused with Least Sandpiper, which are similar in size but have yellow legs and a shorter, more tapered bill.

Answer 38

Semipalmated Sandpiper ## Footnote Interestingly, the word 'palmated' means "webbing" and so this peep is named after the **short webbing between its toes**, which you can see quite nicely in this photo. There is *only one* other small sandpiper with this kind of webbing and it is the Western Sandpiper, which has a longer bill and more chestnut coloring on its back, face, and crown. The Semipalmated Sandpiper has a (1) **short, blunt bill**, a (2) **heavily-streaked crown**, and (3) **overall lack of color**. In other words: they are very brown and white.

Answer 39

White-rumped Sandpiper | Breeding plumage ## Footnote Note the **orange-brown patch at the base of the bill's mandible**, the dark (not yellow) legs, and the **long wings** that project past the tail. In the breeding season, these peeps have a warm brown back, crown, and face patch that creates a **faint white eyebrow stripe**. They also have a **heavily streaked breast** that does not end as abruptly in a pure white belly as it does with Pectoral Sandpiper.

Answer 40

White-rumped Sandpiper are: 1. **Smaller** 2. Have a shorter, **less heavily drooped bill** 3. Have a **white rump** 4. Have **chevron marks** on the flanks 5. Have **long wings**, the tips of which project past the tail when folded.

Answer 41

Baird's Sandpiper | Juvenile ## Footnote Note the **scaly back, buffy chest band** and **unmarked creamy white belly and flanks**. Other peeps might have streaks or chevrons on their bellies and flanks but the Baird's Sandpiper's are distinctly unmarked. Also note the **long wings** that extend beyond the tail and overall **brown-and-white** plumage with a distinct lack of color. Finally, the Baird's Sandpiper shows **exclusively gray-brown plumage** and never rufous, as is the case with many other peeps in the breeding season.

Answer 42

1. **"Scaly" back** caused by their dark back feathers with pale edges 2. **Buffy chest band** 3. **Unmarked creamy white belly and flanks** 3. **Long wings that extend beyond the tail** (like the White-rumped Sandpiper)

Answer 43

Actually, it **does not show much difference** between breeding and non-breeding seasons! ## Footnote But try to remember that there is not usually much rufous on a Baird's Sandpiper at all. This will help to distinguish it from other peeps in breeding plumage.

Answer 44

Baird's Sandpiper **do not stick their rumps up in the air** when they forage. ## Footnote Rather, they keep their backs parallel to the ground as they "stroll n pick" with occasional probes.

Answer 45

Western Sandpiper | Breeding plumage ## Footnote Note the chestnut on the **back, cheek, and crown**, as well as the chest, sides, and flanks that are **marked with chevrons**. In spring, this species migrates *in the millions* up the Pacific coast towards their breeding grounds in the Arctic. They spend winter on both the eastern and western coastline of North America, but are more commonly found in the west, hence their name.

Answer 46

Pectoral Sandpiper ## Footnote Note the streaked breast **strongly contrasted** with the white belly, yellowish legs, slightly drooping bill, and **white "suspender" stripes** down the back. An important habitat-related clue for the Pectoral Sandpiper is that they seem much more at home **on the grass** than in the water and mud. (Of course this picture shows that they do not strictly avoid water either!) So while other sandpipers may be scuttling about and probing the water and mud, Pectoral Sandpiper will often be found on the strips of grassy land *between* the muddy pools.

Answer 47

White-rumped Sandpiper | Breeding plumage ## Footnote One of the White-rumped Sandpiper's **key identifiers** is its foraging behavior. When it lowers its head to probe in the mud or beneath the water, it **tilts its entire body downwards** as we can see in this photo. As it repeatedly lowers and raises its head to forage, the bird's body performs a sort of **see-saw motion!** *All the other peeps maintain a flat back* perpendicular to the ground when foraging. This alone can help you make your ID, provided you sniff out a few other clues, like the brown patch at the base of the bill and the white rump.

Answer 48

Semipalmated Sandpiper ## Footnote **Short, blunt bill**, **heavily-streaked crown**, **slight webbing** between the toes (if you look really closely), and **lack of any strong chestnut coloring** tell us this is a Semipalmated Sandpiper!

Answer 49

Baird's Sandpiper ## Footnote The (1) dark back feathers with pale edges creating that **"scaly" appearance**, (2) buffy chest band, (3) **clean, creamy white belly and flanks**, (4) **long wings** that extend beyond the tail, and (5) **overall gray-brown-and-white plumage** tell us this is a Baird's Sandpiper! Another thing to remember is *where* you see this bird in its habitat. Similar to Pectoral Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper typically prefer the **higher, grassier portions of the mudflats** than the other peeps.

Answer 50

In the **central plains** of the U.S. and Canada. ## Footnote Baird's Sandpiper breed in the Arctic, winter in the southern parts of South America, and migrate predominantly through the central plains of the North American continent.

Answer 51

The **higher, grassier portions** of that habitat. ## Footnote Baird's Sandpiper like a variety of both wet and dry habitats, from mudflats, estuaries, and grassy marshes to dry pastures and prairies. Just remember that even when they are found in a wet habitat, they tend to favor the higher, grassier portions of that habitat.

Answer 52

Rock Sandpiper | Breeding plumage ## Footnote Rock Sandpiper are plump, medium-sized shorebirds that lie towards the larger end of the peep spectrum. During the breeding season, they develop **chestnut plumage on the back**, a **rust-colored crown**, **dark ear patch**, and **diffuse black belly patch**. With their **slightly droopy bill**, you would be forgiven for confusing this bird with a breeding Dunlin but there are a few differences to pay attention to. The Dunlin has: 1. A **more solid black belly patch**, which is located **lower down** on the belly. 2. A **longer, droopier bill**. 3. **Black legs** (the Rock Sandpiper’s are orange although in this picture they look quite dark. This is why it’s so important to take into account multiple clues!)

Answer 53

In **rocky, intertidal breakwater environments**, where they can be found foraging on rocks in the splashing surf. ## Footnote That's where the Rock Sandpiper gets its name from!

Answer 54

Whether you are on the **west coast or the east coast** of North America. ## Footnote Thankfully, these two species' ranges do not overlap. The Rock Sandpiper has a **western-restricted range** and the Purple Sandpiper has an **eastern-restricted range**, which saves YOU the trouble of ever having to tell them apart. Of course, there are occasionally very unusual circumstances where one species accidentally turns up on the wrong side of the continent!

Answer 55

Rock Sandpiper | Non-breeding plumage ## Footnote This bird looks *completely* different from its breeding self, which more closely resembles a Dunlin in breeding plumage. Fortunately, you are most likely to see Rock Sandpiper in their non-breeding plumage, which is quite a bit easier to distinguish from a Dunlin. (This is because they migrate to the high Arctic in the summer.) Otherwise, the features to pay attention to include the **yellowish legs**, **orange bill base**, **overall plump shape and size**, and preferred habitat: coastal marine, usually in the splashing surf.

Answer 56

Dunlin 1. Have a **more solid black belly patch** located **lower down** on the belly 2. Have a **longer, droopier bill** 3. Have **dark legs** (not yellow) 4. Have **an all-dark bill** (no orange) 5. **Lack the dark ear patch**

Answer 57

Purple Sandpiper | Transitional plumage ## Footnote If the range of the Purple Sandpiper overlapped with that of the Rock Sandpiper, birders everywhere would have a real challenge on their hands because these two species **look REALLY similar in non-breeding plumage.** They are both plump, medium-sized shorebirds that love rocky, coastal marine habitats in the splash zone. The Purple Sandpiper is mostly dark gray with spotted underparts and in certain light, their back has a **purplish sheen**, which is where they get their name from. Their legs and bill base are a **bright yellow-to-orange in color.**

Answer 58

1. A **plump**, medium-sized shorebird 2. Dark bill with **yellow/orange base** 3. **Bold yellow/orange** legs 4. Overall, **slatey gray appearance** in non-breeding ## Footnote In breeding plumage, they look quite different with their rufous back, rusty crown, and dark ear patches.

Answer 59

Rock Sandpiper | Non-breeding plumage ## Footnote Note the **dark droopy bill with yellowish base**, dull brown-gray upperparts and creamy, speckled underparts, and yellowish legs. Also **consider the habitat** (literally *rocks*) and range, which, in the case of the Rock Sandpiper, is the Pacific coast.

Answer 60

Purple Sandpiper | Non-breeding plumage ## Footnote Purple Sandpiper are **found exclusively along the Atlantic Coast** (they have an eastern-restricted range), where they spend winter, congregating in small flocks.

Answer 61

1. Their **ranges do not overlap** 2. Purple Sandpiper have **brighter orange legs and bill base** 3. Purple Sandpiper **darker overall in non-breeding plumage**

Answer 62

Purple Sandpiper | Non-breeding plumage ## Footnote Can you see the **purplish sheen** on the back? It is almost like the gray on the back is tending towards mauve. This is the feature from which the Purple Sandpiper gets its name! Also **note the habitat**: the mussel and seaweed covered rock and the splashing surf. This is the ideal habitat for this surf-loving peep!

Answer 63

The Surfbird has a **much shorter, stouter bill**. ## Footnote Whereas Rock Sandpiper have **longer, slightly drooped bills.** They are also much smaller than Surfbird!

Answer 64

1. Semipalmated Sandpiper 2. Baird’s Sandpiper 3. Pectoral Sandpiper 4. White-rumped Sandpiper