Spoon-billed Sandpiper
NameSpoon-billed Sandpiper
Common NameSpoon-billed Sandpiper
Scientific NameCalidris pygmaea
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)33
Plumage DetailsBreeding adults, as seen in the image, have a striking reddish-brown head, neck, and breast with fine dark streaking. The back is mottled dark brown and rufous, while the belly is white. Non-breeding plumage is duller, predominantly grayish-brown above and white below.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a soft, low 'peep' or 'whit' call. During display flights, it may produce a trilling 'preep-preep-preep'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatscoastal tundra, estuaries, mudflats, lagoons
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeBreeds along the coasts of Chukotka and Kamchatka in the Russian Far East. It undertakes a long migration along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway to wintering grounds primarily in Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Identifying FeaturesSpatulate (spoon-shaped) bill, Small size, Reddish-brown head and breast in breeding plumage, Rapid, scuttling feeding behavior
Description
A small, distinctive shorebird known for its unique spatulate bill. In breeding plumage, it displays rich reddish-brown coloration on its head, neck, and breast, contrasting with a spotted back and white belly. It forages by rapidly sweeping its bill through shallow water and mud.
