Sanderling
Calidris alba
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Sanderling is a small, plump shorebird with a short, straight black bill and black legs. In breeding plumage, it displays a rusty head, neck, and back. During winter, it transforms into a pale grey above and white below, earning its nickname 'beach bird'.
Females are similar to males, although somewhat duller in their rufous breeding plumage. Both sexes have black legs and pure white underparts year-round.
Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have a scaly pattern on their backs. All plumages show a distinctive white wing stripe in flight, contrasting with darker flight feathers.
Size
Length
18cm to 20cm
Wingspan
35cm to 39cm
Weight
40g to 100g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White Grey
Secondary Colour
Black Rufous
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia. During migration and winter, they are found on sandy beaches and coastal mudflats across six continents, making them one of the most widespread shorebirds globally.
They are common migrants along the coasts of the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. Some individuals overwinter in these regions, particularly in milder coastal areas.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 200 meters
Climate zones
Arctic, Temperate, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Sanderling. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Sanderlings display remarkable agility, running at speeds up to 20 km/h whilst chasing waves. Their swift, nimble movements along the shoreline and ability to quickly change direction demonstrate exceptional coordination and reflexes.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not particularly strong for their size, Sanderlings possess adequate strength to probe sand for prey and undertake long-distance migrations. Their small stature limits their overall strength rating.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Sanderlings exhibit high adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to tropical beaches. Their ability to drink seawater and adjust to varying climates across their global range showcases impressive adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally non-aggressive, Sanderlings are often seen in flocks and rarely engage in confrontational behaviour. They may display some territorial behaviour during breeding, but overall maintain a peaceful demeanour.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Sanderlings demonstrate exceptional endurance, undertaking one of the longest migration routes of any bird, with some travelling over 10,000 km each way. Their ability to maintain energetic feeding behaviours and survive in harsh Arctic conditions further supports their high endurance rating.
Diet
Sanderlings primarily feed on small invertebrates found in the sand, such as crustaceans, molluscs, crabs, and marine worms. They use their bills to probe the wet sand, often following the receding waves to catch prey exposed by the water.
In their Arctic breeding grounds, they also consume insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and some plant material when food is scarce.
Behaviour
Sanderlings are known for their energetic feeding behaviour, running back and forth along the water's edge in sync with the waves. They often form small flocks, probing the sand with their bills for small invertebrates.
During migration, they gather in large groups, sometimes numbering in the thousands.
Vocalisation
Sanderlings are generally quiet birds, but they do vocalise during breeding and in flight. Their most common call is a short, sharp 'plik' or 'wick'.
During courtship, males produce a series of raspy trills that sound like 'krrrr-krrrr-krrrr'. In flight, they may give a soft, rolling 'chup-chup-chup'.
Nesting & Breeding
Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Svalbard, and Siberia during the brief summer, typically June and July. Males perform aerial displays to attract females, often chasing them in flight. They form monogamous pairs for the breeding season.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, typically lined with leaves and lichen. Females lay 3-4 olive-green eggs with brown spots. Both parents share incubation duties.
The incubation period lasts about 24-31 days. Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching. They fledge in about 17-21 days, quickly preparing for their long migration south.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Sanderlings face threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key stopover sites along their migration routes and preserving Arctic breeding grounds.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
620,000 - 700,000 mature individuals [2]
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Sanderlings on sandy beaches, especially during migration seasons.
- Observe their characteristic 'wave chasing' behaviour at the water's edge.
- Listen for their soft 'plik' or 'wick' calls as they forage.
- In the UK and US, they're common along coastal areas during spring and fall migrations.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Ruddy Plover, Beach Bird
Family:
ScolopacidaeAverage Lifespan
6 to 7 years
Max Lifespan
18.6 years [3]
Predators
Sanderlings face predation from various birds of prey, including Peregrine Falcons, Merlins, and Arctic Skuas. On breeding grounds, Arctic Foxes and Snowy Owls are significant threats.
Did You Know?
- Sanderlings can run at speeds up to 20 km/h (12 mph) as they chase waves.
- They have one of the longest migration routes of any bird, with some travelling over 10,000 km (6,100 miles) each way.
- Sanderlings can drink seawater thanks to special salt glands that remove excess salt from their bloodstream.
- These birds are unique among sandpipers in that they lack a backward-facing toe, having three forward-facing digits instead.
FAQs
What is a flock of Sanderlings called?
A flock of sanderlings is known as a ‘grain,’ which is an appropriate name for a bird that spends so much time on the sand!
Why are they called Sanderlings?
The word sanderling comes from an Old English word that means sand ploughman.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Calidris alba. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22693369A86614145.
View source - 2
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 3
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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