Bird GuideSandpipersSharp-tailed Sandpiper
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Calidris acuminata

At a Glance

This Asian shorebird is related to our Pectoral Sandpiper, and like that species is it a long-distance migrant, traveling from Siberia to Australia and New Zealand. A few reach North America every year, mostly fall migrants in Alaska and the Pacific northwest; a casual stray in other areas, rare in spring.
Category
Sandpiper-like Birds, Sandpipers
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Coasts and Shorelines, Freshwater Wetlands, Saltwater Wetlands, Tundra and Boreal Habitats
Region
Alaska and The North, California, Northwest, Western Canada
Behavior
Direct Flight, Rapid Wingbeats, Running
Population
160.000

Range & Identification

Description

8 1/2" (22 cm). Most seen in North America are fall juveniles. Size and shape of Pectoral Sandpiper but bright rich buff on chest (with very few streaks), reddish on cap, more obvious eye-ring. Adults very similar to Pectoral but with arrow-shaped marks extending down flanks.
Size
About the size of a Robin
Color
Black, Brown, Gray, Red, Tan, White, Yellow
Wing Shape
Pointed, Tapered
Tail Shape
Rounded, Short, Square-tipped, Wedge-shaped

Songs and Calls

A sharp whit-whit.

Climate Vulnerability

Conservation Status