White-rumped Sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollis
Rare to Ivvavik 3
This species is rare to Ivvavik National Park. If you see this species and manage to take a photo, please upload it to iNaturalist and/or send it to us directly at yukoncdc@gov.yk.ca. You will be helping us expand the scientific knowledge of this bird.
Summary 4
Although this small (18-20cm/7-8in) shorebird undertakes a remarkable long-distance migration each year, the White-rumped Sandpiper is somewhat less remarkable in terms of physical appearance. Dull gray-brown above with a medium-length bill, dark legs, and white eye-stripe, it is easily confused with many similar-looking species of sandpiper that occur in its range and on migration. With the help of a high-powered field scope, this species may be identified by its long wings and conspicuous white rump patch. In winter, this species’ plumage becomes less distinct, adding another layer of confusion to its identification. Males and females are similar at all seasons.
The White-rumped Sandpiper breeds primarily in northern Alaska and on islands in arctic Canada. This species undertakes a fast-paced migration in which it traverses the entire continent of North America in the space of a month. It winters in central and southern South America. In the breeding season, it inhabits relatively wet, well-vegetated stretches of tundra. On migration, this species may be found for short periods of time in various kinds of wetlands. During the winter, this species inhabits a variety of freshwater and saltwater habitats including lagoons, estuaries, and marshes, although it tends to avoid fast-moving water and sandy beaches.
The White-rumped Sandpiper mainly eats small invertebrates such as insects and mollusks. Due to its remote breeding habitat, most birdwatchers never see it during the summer. Similarly, many North American birdwatchers never travel far enough south to see this species during the winter. Most sightings in temperate regions of North America take place during the spring and fall, when this species may be seen in small numbers near water.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Jerry Oldenettel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://www.flickr.com/photos/7457894@N04/3565579112
- (c) Tom Benson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), https://www.flickr.com/photos/40928097@N07/9074194326/
- (c) Yukon Conservation Data Centre, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)
- Adapted by Yukon Conservation Data Centre from a work by (c) Unknown, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/22710044
More Info
Range Map
iNaturalist.ca Map
| Animal | Bird |
|---|---|
| Color | brown, grey, white |
| Bird | waders |
