Sanderling - Calidris alba

	Classification  Kingdom: Animalia  Phylum: Chordata  Class: Aves  Order: Charadriiformes  Family: Scolopacidae  Genus:   Calidris
ICUN Redlist - World Status: Least Concern

Description

The sanderling is a medium-sized shore bird that is about 6 inches in length. It is speckled brownish-gray on its uppersides and has a dark, pointed bill; black legs; and a white belly. In winter, the sanderling's plumage turns grayish-white.

Range

The sanderling breeds on the high arctic tundra of Alaska and northern Canada. It winters along the coast from British Columbia and Massachusetts south to South America. It is also found in Europe and Asia.

Habitat

During breeding season, the sanderling lives on the tundra, usually near a freshwater source like a lake or pond. In the winter, it can be found on beaches; sandbars; mudflats; and pond, lake, and river shores.

Diet

The sanderling eats crustaceans, mollusks, marine worms, and insects.

Life Cycle

Sanderlings arrive at their breeding grounds in the tundra in May or June. During courtship, the male flies up into the air rapidly beating his wings and then flies down vocalizing with a song. He then follows the female with his head down, his tail feathers fanned out,  and his wings drooping.

The female sanderling lays four eggs in a hollow in the ground lined with grass and lichen. The chicks hatch after 24-31 days and fledge when they are 17 days old. They leave the nest shortly after hatching and begin searching for insects. Both parents incubate the eggs and take care of the young.

Behavior

Small groups of sanderlings can often be  seen on beaches scurrying after waves as they roll back out to sea. They are actually looking for tiny crustaceans and mollusks exposed by the retreating water.