Spotted sandpiper facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Spotted sandpiper
Breeding plumage
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Synonyms
Tringa macularia Linnaeus, 1766 Actitis macularia orth. err. Tringoides macularius Sharpe, 1896

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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  Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden

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  Front view

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  Non-breeding plumage

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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