Baird's Sandpiper
NameBaird's Sandpiper
Common NameBaird's Sandpiper
Scientific NameCalidris bairdii
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)40.5
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)47
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark brown with distinct pale feather edgings, giving a scaly appearance. The breast is buffy with fine dark streaks, contrasting with a clean white belly. The head has a pale supercilium and a dark eye line. The bill is dark and relatively straight, and legs are dark.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a reedy, trilled 'kreeep' or 'prrreet' call, often given in flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatstundra, grassland, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the high Arctic regions of North America and Siberia. Migrates through interior North America and winters primarily in southern South America.
Identifying FeaturesLong wings extending beyond the tail when at rest, Scaly brown upperparts, Buffy-streaked breast band contrasting with white belly, Dark, relatively straight bill, Dark legs
Description
The Baird's Sandpiper is a small, long-winged shorebird with a distinctive scaly brown back and a buffy, streaked breast. It breeds in the high Arctic and undertakes one of the longest migratory journeys of any shorebird, traveling to southern South America for winter.
