WA: Rare
At a glance
FamilySandpipers and Allies
SizeSmall
RarityUncommon
HabitatTypically seen in small flocks in muddy marshes or wet grassy habitats, sometimes mixed with other shorebirds.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from December to January.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Benjamin Drillat
Range map
Range map
305visible hotspots
6066visible records
6states
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
Behavior
Males are much larger than females, and have a large air sac in the throat which they inflate during breeding display. Typically seen in small flocks in muddy marshes or wet grassy habitats, sometimes mixed with other shorebirds.
Gallery
Regional timing
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Western Australia
Northern Territory
Australian Capital Territory
Commonly confused with
SanderlingCalidris albaBy mid-summer, the frosty feather tips fade away and the neck can be deep, rich red—not to be confused with the much smaller Red-necked Stint! Very pale in winter. Juveniles are nearly spangled with black-and-white above. At all seasons, note larger size and somewhat thicker bill than other peeps or stints, along with bold white wing stripe in flight. Also occurs on mudflats, especially in migration. Extensive global range, breeding on high Arctic tundra and wintering on coastlines on every continent except Antarctica.→Long-toed StintCalidris subminutaUnlike 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.→Wood SandpiperTringa glareolaIn flight shows plain upperwings, square white rump patch. Legs greenish yellow. Migrants and wintering birds occur in varied wetland habitats, especially with grassy and other vegetation cover. Walks in shallow water, picking with its bill. Bobs tail when nervous, but not habitually like Common Sandpiper.→