From Opus

Photo by Peter Ericsson
Location: Samot Sakorn

Limicola falcinellus

[edit] Identification

Length 17 cm. A small wader with short legs. The bill is relatively long, with a broad, flattened tip. It has a diagnostic white double eyebrow.

Breeding adult - patterned dark grey upperparts, white underparts, black breast markings, pale crown stripe and supercilia. Winter - pale grey above, white below, retains head pattern. Juvenile - white flanks and belly, brown-streaked breast.

[edit] Distribution

Breeding: Patchy; Scandinavia to eastern Siberia. During breeding season found in very wet quag-mires in Norway, Sweden, Finland and parts of Kola peninsula, Russia (L.f.falcinellus).

Overwinters: South-eastern Asia, Australasia (L. f. sibrica); India, Sri Lanka, Arabian Peninsula and Africa (L. f. falcinellus).

[edit] Taxonomy

There are 2 subspecies:

• L f falcinellus
• L f sibirica

[edit] Habitat

Mainly coastal: Muddy areas.

[edit] Behaviour

The nest is a ground scrape; 4 eggs are laid.

The diet includes insects and other small invertebrates.

[edit] Vocalisation

[edit] External Links