DSC6846 Sandpiper...
Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos
The Common Sandpiper is a small wading bird which breeds along fast-moving rivers and near lakes, lochs and reservoirs in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Northern England. Wintering birds may be spotted along the south coast, but passage migrants can be seen at the edge of freshwater lakes or on estuaries during spring and autumn. It bobs up and down when standing, known as 'teetering', and has a distinctive, stiff-winged flight.
Sandpipers can be a difficult group of birds to get to grips with. Common Sandpipers are green-brown above, with a bright white belly. They display a brown rump and strong white wingbars when they fly. They are most similar to Wood Sandpipers and Green Sandpipers, but are smaller and shorter-legged than both. Common Sandpipers have a short, straight, grey bill and green legs.
Nests around the edge of lakes and large rivers in the uplands, but can be seen on spring and autumn migration at inland wetlands throughout the country. The small wintering population can be found along the south coast.
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the Red List for Birds (2015).
DSC6846 Sandpiper...
Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos
The Common Sandpiper is a small wading bird which breeds along fast-moving rivers and near lakes, lochs and reservoirs in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Northern England. Wintering birds may be spotted along the south coast, but passage migrants can be seen at the edge of freshwater lakes or on estuaries during spring and autumn. It bobs up and down when standing, known as 'teetering', and has a distinctive, stiff-winged flight.
Sandpipers can be a difficult group of birds to get to grips with. Common Sandpipers are green-brown above, with a bright white belly. They display a brown rump and strong white wingbars when they fly. They are most similar to Wood Sandpipers and Green Sandpipers, but are smaller and shorter-legged than both. Common Sandpipers have a short, straight, grey bill and green legs.
Nests around the edge of lakes and large rivers in the uplands, but can be seen on spring and autumn migration at inland wetlands throughout the country. The small wintering population can be found along the south coast.
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the Red List for Birds (2015).