Colours
Distinguishing features
Adults have black legs and a short thin dark bill. They are dark brown on top and mainly white underneath with a black patch on the rump. The head and breast are light brown with dark streaks. In winter plumage, this species is paler brownish gray above.
One of the best identification features is the long wings, which extend beyond the tail when the bird is on the ground. (Wikipedia)
Size
- From 19 cm to 24 cm (Length of specimen)
Wingspan
- From 37 cm to 45 cm
Synonyms
Similar taxa
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Animalia:
White-rumped Sandpiper (species: Calidris (Calidris) fuscicollis)
The White-rumped Sandpiper has long wings that extend beyond the tail when on the ground, like the Baird's Sandpiper but that bird can be distinguished by its lack of a white rump. (Wikipedia)
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
Their breeding habitat is the northern tundra from eastern Siberia to western Greenland. They nest on the ground, usually in dry locations with low vegetation.
They are a long distance migrant, wintering in South America. This species is a rare vagrant to western Europe. (Wikipedia)
Diet
These birds forage by moving about mudflats, picking up food by sight. They mainly eat insects, also some small crustaceans. (Wikipedia)
Web resources
References
- Simpson, K., N. Day and P. Trusler (2004). Field Guide to Birds of Australia: 7th Edition Penguin Group (Australia), Camberwell, Victoria.