Purple Sandpiper
Least ConcernCalidris maritima
Visual Identification
Purple Sandpiper
Appearance
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
Size
Length
20cm to 22cm
Wingspan
42cm to 46cm
Weight
50g to 110g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey
Secondary Colour
White Purple
Beak Colour
Orange Black
Leg Colour
Orange Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
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.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 300 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Purple Sandpipers primarily feed on marine invertebrates found on rocky shores. Their diet includes mollusks, crustaceans, and marine worms. They also consume some plant material, including algae and seeds.
Their slightly curved bill is well-adapted for probing between rocks and in crevices for food.
Behaviour
Purple Sandpipers are remarkably hardy, often seen foraging on wave-battered rocky shores where other shorebirds rarely venture. They feed by picking invertebrates from rocks, occasionally probing into crevices.
During high tides, they roost in tight groups on elevated rocky outcrops.
Vocalisation
Purple Sandpipers have a distinctive low-pitched call, often described as a soft 'weet' or 'tweet'.
During the breeding season, males produce a melodious trill as part of their display flight, sounding like 'trrrrrr-weet-weet-weet'. In flight, they may give a rapid series of 'wit-wit-wit' notes.
Nesting & Breeding
Purple Sandpipers breed in the high Arctic tundra, typically from June to August. Males perform aerial displays to attract females, flying in wide circles while calling.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often near rocks or vegetation. Females typically lay 4 olive-green eggs with brown spots. Both parents share incubation duties.
The incubation period lasts about 21-22 days. Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest soon after hatching, and fledge after 21-28 days.
Lifespan
The Purple Sandpiper typically lives for 6 to 9 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 20 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Purple Sandpipers face threats from climate change and coastal development. Their specialized habitat requirements make them vulnerable to sea-level rise and changes in coastal ecosystems.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wintering and breeding sites.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them on rocky coastlines, especially during the winter months
- Observe their unique ability to feed among crashing waves
- Listen for their distinctive, low-pitched 'weet' call
- In the UK, check popular sites like the Farne Islands or Scottish coasts
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Rock Sandpiper
Family:
ScolopacidaePredators
Main predators include Arctic foxes, gulls, and jaegers on breeding grounds. Peregrine falcons and other raptors may prey on them during migration and in wintering areas.
Did You Know?
- Purple Sandpipers have special blood vessels in their legs that help them conserve heat in cold waters.
- They are one of the northernmost wintering shorebirds in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Some individuals return to the same wintering sites year after year.
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FAQs
Why is the Purple Sandpiper called purple?
Although it does not have vibrant mauve or lilac feathers by any stretch of the imagination, in some lights, a purple sandpiper’s plumage does have a faint purplish shimmer, which gives the species its colorful name.
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Calidris maritima. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22693420A131929424.
View source - 3 4
report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source