Calidris maritima
The Purple Sandpiper is a stocky shorebird with distinctive dark grey plumage that takes on a purplish sheen in the breeding season. It has a slightly decurved bill that is orange at the base, dark at the tip, and short orange-yellow legs.
In winter, its plumage becomes duller. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have buff-edged feathers on the upperparts, giving them a scaly appearance.
Males and females are alike in coloring, although females tend to be slightly larger, with longer bills. Despite their colorful name, a vibrant purple plumage is not a distinguishing feature of this chunky shorebird
Length
20cm to 22cm
Wingspan
42cm to 46cm
Weight
50g to 110g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey
Secondary Colour
White Purple
Beak Colour
Orange Black
Leg Colour
Orange Yellow
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Purple Sandpipers inhabit rocky coastal areas, particularly those with algae-covered rocks and strong wave action. They breed in the high Arctic tundra of North America and Eurasia.
During winter, they migrate to rocky coastlines in northern Europe and northeastern North America.
In the UK, they are regular winter visitors along the eastern and northern coasts, including Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Sea level to 300 meters
Subarctic, Temperate
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Purple Sandpiper. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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