Need ID for a Sandpiper, seen in Panama (1 Viewer)

[MiWi]

On 27.5. I saw a small Calidris Sandpiper at the coast in front of Panama City.
Thank you very much for some help.

 

[THE_FERN]

Semi-palmated. Not Western. It seems to have a rear toe if I interpret the photo correctly so not Sanderling

 

[Joe H]

I agree with The_Fern but if you think it appeared small enough to give some question, compare Least Sandpiper. Least has similar non-breeding plumage, the rear toe, and is in that area. But I think the bill on your bird looks more Semipalmated.

 

[MiWi]

Thank you very much for your contributions. Least Sandpiper would have bright legs and "my Sandpiper" has definitely dark legs. So I agree with Semipalmated Sandpiper.

 

[jmepler]

Thank you very much for your contributions. Least Sandpiper would have bright legs and "my Sandpiper" has definitely dark legs. So I agree with Semipalmated Sandpiper.

The legs of sandpipers can appear darker than they actually are when they are in shadow such as this one, particularly in photographs. They can also be darker due to mud coating. In this case though, I do agree that this is a Semipalmated Sandpiper.

 

[Butty]

I think the bill on your bird looks more Semipalmated

...and certainly not least sandpiper - much too blunt-tipped. Least sandpiper has very-different fine-tipped bill, usually with a slight droop at the tip.

 

[peterginsburg]

The legs of sandpipers can appear darker than they actually are when they are in shadow such as this one, particularly in photographs. They can also be darker due to mud coating. In this case though, I do agree that this is a Semipalmated Sandpiper.

As a corollary to this, the "black" legs of many other peeps can appear duller when caked in mud. Lesson: use leg color with caution.
Peter

 

[qwerty5]

I agree with The_Fern but if you think it appeared small enough to give some question, compare Least Sandpiper.

The size difference between Least and Semi is so slight as to be functionally useless for identification, especially with lone birds. As you said, other characteristics firmly show this bird to be Semipalmated.