Western sandpiper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Western sandpiper |
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Ereunetes mauri |
The western sandpiper (Calidris mauri) is a small shorebird. It's one of the most common shorebirds in North America, with millions of them! The name Calidris comes from an old Greek word for grey waterside birds. The name mauri honors an Italian botanist named Ernesto Mauri.
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What Does a Western Sandpiper Look Like?
Adult western sandpipers have dark legs and a short, thin, dark bill. Their bodies are brown on top and white underneath. They have reddish-brown feathers on their heads.
It can be tricky to tell this bird apart from other small shorebirds, especially the semipalmated sandpiper. This is especially true in winter, when both birds look plain gray. However, the western sandpiper gets its winter feathers earlier in the autumn.
Western Sandpiper Measurements
- Length: 5.5 to 6.7 inches (14 to 17 centimeters)
- Weight: 0.8 to 1.2 ounces (22 to 35 grams)
- Wingspan: 13.8 to 14.6 inches (35 to 37 centimeters)
Where Do Western Sandpipers Live and Reproduce?
These birds breed in the tundra regions of eastern Siberia and Alaska. They build their nests on the ground, usually hidden under plants.
The male bird makes several small dips in the ground. The female then chooses one of these spots to lay her 4 eggs. Both parents take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm. They also help care for the young birds, who can find their own food. Sometimes, the female might leave the nest before the young birds are ready to fly on their own.
How Do Western Sandpipers Migrate?
Western sandpipers travel long distances. They migrate to both the east and west coasts of North America and South America. They also fly to the Caribbean. It's very rare to see one in western Europe.
What Do Western Sandpipers Eat?
These birds look for food on muddy areas during their migration and in winter. They often poke their bills into the mud or pick up food they see. During the breeding season, they search for food in the tundra and wet meadows.
Their diet mainly includes insects, small crustaceans (like tiny crabs or shrimp), and mollusks (like snails).
See also
In Spanish: Correlimos de Alaska para niños
