Calidris (Calidris) alba
Sanderling
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Charadriiformes
Family
Scolopacidae
Genus
Calidris
Species
Calidris (Calidris) alba
Status
least concern
Colours
Distinguishing features
It is a small plump sandpiper. The winter bird is very pale, almost white apart from a dark shoulder patch. Later in the summer, the face and throat become brick-red. The juvenile bird is spangled black and white, and shows much more contrast than the adult. (Wikipedia)
Size
- From 18 cm to 20 cm (Length of specimen)
Weight
- From 0.04 kg to 0.1 kg
Wingspan
- Up to 47 cm and averaging 43 cm
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
It is a circumpolar Arctic breeder, and is a long-distance migrant, wintering south to South America, South Europe, Africa, and Australia. It is highly gregarious in winter, sometimes forming large flocks on coastal mudflats or sandy beaches. (Wikipedia)
Audio recordings
At least one called at takeoff from mixed shorebird species flock on shore
© Paul Marvin
(source)
Diet
They feed on invertebrate prey buried in the sand in the upper intertidal zone. (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.