From Opus

Photo by Andy Bright
Location: Morston, Norfolk

Arenaria interpres

[edit] Identification

L. 23cm
Ws. 52cm
Wt. 120gm

• Relatively small and stocky
• Short orange legs
• Short, sharp black bill
• Dark bib (black during breeding, April-September)
• White underparts
• Dark brown back and head
  • Reddish brown upperparts during breeding

The more dramatic plumage of breeding (from which it gets its name) is rarely observed simply because it has migrated to latitudes that are almost devoid of human presence.

Photo by AndyMc
Breeding plumage Long Drag, Seal Sands, May 2008

[edit] Distribution

A widely distributed species along shorelines of continents. Breeds on tundra in the extreme northern latitudes of North America, Europe, and Russia.

Overwintering range almost worldwide. Fairly common on the shores of the Great Lakes of North America during migration.

[edit] Taxonomy

Formerly considered a plover, it is now classified in the sandpiper family.

[edit] Habitat

Rocky Shores. Casual inland.

[edit] Behaviour

Photo by sandmartin
Rhyl, North Wales, January 2009

Fairly long-lived, with an average around 9 years and a recorded record of 19.

A strong flier that during migration is able to fly from southern Australia to Taiwan in one stretch.

[edit] Diet

The action of flipping over small stones to find food led to its common name. It will take just about anything organic, including insects, carrion, mollusks, eggs, worms, etc.

[edit] Breeding

Monogomous. Individual birds often return to favorite spots year after year.

[edit] Vocalisation

A long rapid trill.

[edit] References

1. Collins Field Guide 5th Edition#Birdforum thread with link to migration study

[edit] External Links