Common Sandpiper Facts

The common sandpiper, actitis hypoleucos, is also known as the Eurasian sandpiper as well as the summer snipe. They measure 7.5 to 8.25 inches (19 to 21 centimeters) long and weigh 1.1 to 3 ounces (33 to 84 grams). They also have a wingspan that ranges from 15 to 16.1 inches (38 to 41 centimeters) from wingtip to wingtip. Their upper bodies are grayish brown while their under bellies are white. They have a white eyebrow (called a supercilium) as well as a white eye-ring. Their bills are dark-grey with yellow at the base while their long legs vary from grayish-olive to yellowish-brown. What they are most known for is the bobbing of both their head and tail while they are on the ground, especially while hunting.

The common sandpiper can be found in Europe, Asia, Australia and the United States. During the winter they will inhabit coastal shores, salt marshes, estuaries, inland wetlands, pools, riverbanks and even sewage works. Come breeding season, they will inhabit the edges of water bodies such as pools, estuaries, ponds, dams, lake shores as well as sheltered sea coasts. The common sandpiper is monogamous, meaning that it will remain with its chosen mate until one of them dies. They do most of their foraging during the day, either alone or in small groups. At night, they will gather in large groups that may contain over 100 individuals in order to roost (rest).

The diet of a common sandpiper consists of a variety of things like fish, crustaceans, mollusks, insects, spiders and annelid worms. They will also feast on the occasional tadpoles, frogs, toads, and even plant matter. Their keen sense of vision is used to locate their food. If it sees something far away, it will proceed to give chase. They have even been known to swim underwater in their pursuit of food, determined not to let it get away. They catch their food by pecking and probing with their bills.

Breeding season for the common sandpiper takes place from April to July. During this time, their head, upper breast and under-parts become a greenish-brown color with a delicate dark streaking. A female will lay 3 to 5 eggs (4 on average) and both parents will take turns incubating them for 21 to 22 days, at which point the eggs hatch. The chicks are fed and protected by both parents, although one of them (usually the female) will leave before they fledge (learn to fly) at 22 to 28 days old. The chicks will usually remain in their winter grounds for the first summer of their lives. If the chicks can survive long enough, then they can live to be up to 12 years old.

The common sandpiper is not considered endangered, although they do face their share of threats. Like most migratory birds, the loss of feeding and hunting grounds available during their migrations. Hopefully, the common sandpiper can overcome such obstacles and continue its peaceful coexistence with humans. After all, such a unique bird species deserves to live and prosper for future generations to see.

Works Cited

“Common Sandpiper” 2 July 2011

“Common Sandpiper (Actitis Hypoleucos)” 2 July 2011

“Common Sandpiper” 2 July 2011

“Common Sandpiper” 2 July 2011