🐦 Sanderling

Calidris alba

Bird3 forward, no hind toe toesUnder 1.5 in
About

Tiny three-toed stitching that follows every wave in and out.

Track

Under 1.5 in. Three forward toes, no rear toe. Very small, closely spaced prints. Dense clusters where flocks fed. Bill probe holes between prints.

Where they live

Sandy beaches and tidal flats. Beaches worldwide outside the breeding season.

When they're active

Diurnal, tide-driven

What they eat

Sand crabs, worms, small invertebrates

Fun fact

Sanderlings nest in the high Arctic and winter as far south as Chile.

Should I be concerned?

Harmless — but don't flush resting flocks.

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