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Photo by mjobling
Photo taken: Cheshire, England.

Calidris maritima

[edit] Identification

The body is dark with a purple sheen on top, and white underneath. The bill is thin and dark with a yellow base, and the legs are short and yellow. The breast is grey and the rump is black.

The only small dark wader with yellow legs likely to be seen on a rocky shore.

[edit] Distribution

Photo by Gaukur
Juvenile, Húsavík, NE Iceland July 2005

Canada, Greenland and northwestern Europe.

[edit] Taxonomy

[edit] Habitat

Tundra and coastal areas.

[edit] Behaviour

They form small flocks, sometimes with Ruddy Turnstones.

[edit] Breeding

Photo by JBJ
Virginia, USA

The male makes several scrapes in the ground and the female chooses one, and lays 3-4 eggs. The male incubates and cares for the chicks.

[edit] Diet

The diet includes insects and molluscs, also some plant material.

[edit] Vocalisation

A low "weet-wit".

[edit] References

1. Wikipedia
2. Collins Pocket Guide to British Birds 1966

[edit] External Links