Bird guideMarsh Sandpiper

Note the overall slim and elegant shape, with very long and slender greenish legs: suggests a much smaller Greenshank that’s been to ballet school.

⚠️NT: Endangered

At a glance

FamilySandpipers and Allies
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
HabitatUsually found singly or mixed in with other waders in varied fresh to brackish wetland habitats, usually with open water.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from January.

Sounds

Sound sample
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Recorded by Julien Birard

Range map

Range map

1194visible hotspots
27707visible records
5states
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

In flight appears dark above with broad white stripe up middle of back; long legs project well past tail tip. Usually found singly or mixed in with other waders in varied fresh to brackish wetland habitats, usually with open water.

Behavior

Feeds by wading in water, picking with its bill. Repetitive mellow calls somewhat similar to Greenshank, but rather monotone and with a sharper quality.

Regional timing

Western Australia
Peak: September to February645 records
New South Wales
Peak: November to January3,095 records
Northern Territory
Peak: October to November3,661 records
South Australia
Peak: January1,709 records
Victoria
Peak: January9,589 records
Queensland
Peak: October to January8,944 records
Australian Capital Territory
Peak: September to October46 records
Tasmania
Peak: April1 records
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