Sanderling

Calidris alba

Appearance

An energetic, stocky and robust wader. Black legs and bill. Black wing-bend (not always visible), and broad white wing-bars framed in black. Summer plumage with rufous head and back. Winter and juvenile plumaged birds gives a much whiter impression than all congeners, with light grey upperparts and pure white underside. Juveniles with star-shaped, black markings on back. Lacks hind toe.

Sound

Call not very diagnostic; a short and soft "pleet" or "keek".

Contact call:

Biometrics

Weight 44-70 g

Wingspan 40-45 cm

Length 20-21 cm

Warm brown

Scale pattern

Stout dark bill

ADULT SUMMER

IMMATURE