From Opus

Photo by Andy Bright
Location: Morston, Norfolk

Arenaria interpres

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 during breeding

The more dramatic plumage of breeding is rarely observed simply because it has migrated to latitudes that are almost devoid of human presence.

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.

Taxonomy

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

Habitat

Rocky Shores. Casual inland.

Behaviour

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.

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

Vocalisation

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