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Breeding adult and juvenile recall much larger Sharp-tailed Sandpiper in pattern and color; nonbreeding adult rather plain mousy brown above, pale below.
WA: Rare
At a glance
FamilySandpipers and Allies
SizeSmall
RarityUncommon
HabitatMudflats, saltmarsh, estuaries, beaches, lagoons, and shallow inland wetlands.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from December to January.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Ray Tsu 诸仁
Range map
Range map
166visible hotspots
2700visible records
5states
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
Tiny and slender “peep” of inland and coastal wetlands, where it is often found in well-vegetated areas such as fields and flooded meadows. Unlike most other small sandpipers in the region, this species has a distinctly long-winged and slender-bodied appearance. Note that long toes project slightly beyond tail in flight, unlike other stints. Flight call a quiet “prrrrp” similar to Curlew Sandpiper.
Behavior
Breeding adults are a rich brown with darker feather centres above and white underneath. These birds forage on mudflats, picking up food by sight, sometimes by probing.
Gallery