23AU9465W-SharpenAI-StandardPectoral sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
A stout, medium-sized shorebird with a moderately long, fairly thick-based bill and long wings. Males are considerably larger and about 50% heavier than females.
RELATIVE SIZE
Larger than a Semipalmated Sandpiper, smaller than a Willet; similar in size to a Dunlin.
Relative Sizerobin sized
robin-sized
MEASUREMENTS
Both Sexes
Weight: 1.4-3.7 oz (41-105 g)
Pectoral Sandpiper
© Ian Davies | Macaulay Library
Color Pattern
Adults are patterned in brown, gold, and black above, with white belly and neat dark-brown rows of stipples on the breast that stop sharply at the white belly. Juveniles are similar but with some rusty-edged feathers above. The legs are yellowish. In flight, shows little to no wingstripe.
Pectoral Sandpiper
© Ian Davies | Macaulay Library
Behavior
Picks and probes in shallow wetlands and mud for invertebrates. Males perform spectacular flight and terrestrial displays.
© Larry Arbanas | Macaulay Library
Habitat
Nests in wet, grassy tundra, usually near coastal areas. Migrants and wintering birds select grassy wetlands of many types, both natural and artificial (such as sod farms, rice fields, wet pastures).
23AU9465W-SharpenAI-StandardPectoral sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
A stout, medium-sized shorebird with a moderately long, fairly thick-based bill and long wings. Males are considerably larger and about 50% heavier than females.
RELATIVE SIZE
Larger than a Semipalmated Sandpiper, smaller than a Willet; similar in size to a Dunlin.
Relative Sizerobin sized
robin-sized
MEASUREMENTS
Both Sexes
Weight: 1.4-3.7 oz (41-105 g)
Pectoral Sandpiper
© Ian Davies | Macaulay Library
Color Pattern
Adults are patterned in brown, gold, and black above, with white belly and neat dark-brown rows of stipples on the breast that stop sharply at the white belly. Juveniles are similar but with some rusty-edged feathers above. The legs are yellowish. In flight, shows little to no wingstripe.
Pectoral Sandpiper
© Ian Davies | Macaulay Library
Behavior
Picks and probes in shallow wetlands and mud for invertebrates. Males perform spectacular flight and terrestrial displays.
© Larry Arbanas | Macaulay Library
Habitat
Nests in wet, grassy tundra, usually near coastal areas. Migrants and wintering birds select grassy wetlands of many types, both natural and artificial (such as sod farms, rice fields, wet pastures).