Wood Sandpiper

Overview

The wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola) is a small wader belonging to the sandpiper family Scolopacidae and is the smallest of the shanks. It is a Eurasian species that primarily inhabits freshwater and wetland environments, distinguishing it from similar maritime species.

Identification

• Resembles a longer-legged, more delicate green sandpiper with a shorter, finer bill and longer yellowish legs.
• Features a brown back and a smaller, less contrasting white rump-patch compared to the green sandpiper.
• Displays breeding plumage with subdued, light-brown upperparts and smaller, diffuse brownish spots on the breast and neck.

Habitat

This species breeds in subarctic wetlands from the Scottish Highlands across Eurasia and the Palearctic. It migrates to Africa, South Asia, and Australia, and is usually found in and around freshwater habitats during migration and wintering.

Diet

Wood sandpipers forage by probing their bills in shallow water or wet mud, such as on lakeshores or riverbanks. They mainly eat aquatic insects, crustaceans, arthropods, and various worms.

Did you know?

Birds that accumulate fuel loads of approximately 50% of their lean body mass can potentially cross distances of 2397–4490 km in one non-stop flight.