Species BirdsSpotted Sandpiper

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

CommonBird
Illustration of Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius)

The Spotted Sandpiper is the most widespread breeding sandpiper in North America, found along virtually every stream, lake, and pond. It is one of the classic examples of sex-role reversal in birds — females arrive first, establish territories, compete for males, and may have multiple mates while the males incubate and raise the young. It constantly teeter-teeters its rear body up and down while walking.

Habitat
Stream banks, lake shores, and coastal areas
Diet
Aquatic insects, worms, crustaceans, and small fish
How common
Common

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