BetterBirding
Bird guideWhite-rumped Sandpiper

Slightly larger than other small sandpipers; noticeably elongated body and long wingtips.

Spot this speciesRead on Wikipedia
⚠️Not listed

At a glance

FamilySandpipers and Allies
SizeSmall
RarityRare
HabitatNonbreeding plumage is plainer gray with pale eyebrow; typically shows some streaking on sides well into the fall.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from December.

Sounds

Sound sample
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Recorded by JAYRSON ARAUJO DE OLIVEIRA

Range map

Range map

7approx hotspots
643approx records
2states
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

Distinctive white rump visible in flight. In breeding plumage, crisply spangled black and brown wings; note warmer brown cheek and crown and extensive fine streaking on sides. Nonbreeding plumage is plainer gray with pale eyebrow; typically shows some streaking on sides well into the fall. Juvenile bright and crisp; note pale eyebrow and long wings. In all plumages, shows brownish base to the lower mandible, only visible at close range. Most similar to Baird's Sandpiper but grayer.

Behavior

Found on mudflats, shallow marshy pools, and flooded fields; often mixed with other small shorebirds. Short, high-pitched, metallic call usually given in flight or when alarmed.

Gallery

Regional timing

New South Wales
Peak: January118 records
Victoria
Peak: December522 records
South Australia
Peak: March3 records

Commonly confused with

Broad-billed SandpiperCalidris falcinellusUpperparts dark, contrasting with the white underparts and streaky breast. When flushed, flight is low and often short. Bold head pattern, evident in all seasons, is the best feature to look for in winter-plumaged birds. Breeds in taiga bogs, usually at coasts and estuaries on migration and in winter.→Pectoral SandpiperCalidris melanotosSlightly curved bill pale at base. Look for dense breast streaking with abrupt border at white belly. Plumage and yellow legs might recall Least Sandpiper, but Pectoral is much larger and looks longer-necked. Compare with Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, which is brighter overall and has a more distinct dark cap. Breeds on tundra in the high Arctic. Winters mainly in southern South America, but small numbers also winter in Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Much less common on open mudflats or beaches. Listen for low, trilled calls.→Red KnotCalidris canutusBeautiful breeding plumage shows entirely salmon-orange underparts and silvery wings with intricate patterning. Nonbreeding is plain gray with pale underparts and a white eyebrow; juvenile similar but with scaly pattern on wings. Usually shows dark barring on flanks. Legs are dull greenish or gray. Widespread and fairly common, breeding on high Arctic tundra and wintering on coastlines around the globe, as far south as Tierra del Fuego. Most numerous on beaches and mudflats; less common inland. Compare with larger, lankier, longer-billed Great Knot in Asia and Australia.→
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