Spotted sandpiper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spotted sandpiper |
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Breeding plumage | |
Conservation status | |
Scientific classification | |
Synonyms | |
Tringa macularia Linnaeus, 1766 |
The spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is a small bird in the genus Actitis.
Description
Spotted sandpipers are 7.1-7.9 in (18-20 cm) long. It weighs 1.2-1.8 oz (34-50 g). It has a wingspan of 14.6-15.8 in (37-40 cm). Adults have short yellowish legs and an orange bill with a dark tip. The body is brown on top and white underneath with black spots.
Distribution
They breed near fresh water across most of Canada and the United States. They migrate to the southern United States, the Caribbean, and South America. They are very rare western Europe.
Feeding
They eat insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates.
Reproduction
Spotted sandpipers nest on the ground. During the breeding season, females may mate with more than one male, leaving them to incubate the egg. This is called polyandry.
Images for kids
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Spotted Sandpiper hunting in the Wallkill River Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey and New York (state)
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Spotted Sandpiper foraging in Fox River Grove, Illinois
See also
In Spanish: Andarríos maculado para niños