Bird guideCommon Sandpiper

In winter plumage, they are duller and have more conspicuous barring on the wings, though this is still only visible at close range.

⚠️WA: Rare; NT: Vulnerable

At a glance

FamilySandpipers and Allies
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
Best timeMost reliable in Northern Territory from September to October.

Sounds

Sound sample
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Recorded by Petter Westberg

Range map

Range map

200approx hotspots
30261approx records
7states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

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

Plain brown with white underparts; distinguished from bulkier and rounder-headed Green Sandpiper by a prominent white spur at the shoulder.

Behavior

Found in a variety of wetland habitats; breeds on stony ground along rivers and lakeshores, with migrants occurring on muddy and rocky substrates from concrete canal banks to channels in tidal mudflats. Mainly found as singles or in small groups, not in flocks or mixed with other species.

Regional timing

Western Australia
Peak: August to November4,174 records
Victoria
Peak: October to February2,563 records
South Australia
Peak: October to February2,303 records
Northern Territory
Peak: September to October12,988 records
Queensland
Peak: October to February6,295 records
New South Wales
Peak: October to February1,162 records
Tasmania
Peak: January138 records
Australian Capital Territory
Peak: January487 records
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