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Elegant buffy sandpiper; peaceful-looking with large eye and plain face.
Not listed
At a glance
FamilySandpipers and Allies
SizeSmall
RarityRare
HabitatMudflats, saltmarsh, estuaries, beaches, lagoons, and shallow inland wetlands.
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from December.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Stanislas Wroza
Range map
Range map
21visible hotspots
803visible records
4states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Adults and juveniles similar, but juveniles show crisp scaly back pattern. Similar to Baird's Sandpiper but longer yellow legs and more evenly buffy coloration extending onto the belly. Smaller than Upland Sandpiper and lacks extensive dark markings on face, neck, and sides. Breeds on Arctic tundra. During migration, found in dry habitats such as plowed fields, sod farms, and higher areas of beaches. Winters in South America.
Behavior
Relatively short bill and medium-length yellow legs.
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