Sanderling (Calidris alba) – The Swift Beach Walker

The Sanderling is a small shorebird that lives along coastlines around the world. It is easy to recognize in winter due to its bright white feathers and fast movements along the water’s edge.

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Key Facts:

• Size: 18–21 cm
• Features: Pale shorebird, almost white in winter, with a short, straight black bill and dark legs
• Habitat: Breeds in the Arctic tundra; winters along coasts worldwide, especially in tidal flats and sandy beaches
• Breeding: Nests in small raised areas in the tundra, often among mosses and grasses
• Diet: Small invertebrates like insects, worms, and crustaceans found along the shore

The Sanderling is famous for running quickly along the beach, staying just ahead of the waves as they roll in and out.

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Quick Sanderling
2. Features and Appearance: How to Identify the Sanderling
3. Habitat and Distribution: Where the Sanderling Lives
4. Behavior and Diet: A Fast Hunter on the Shore
5. Breeding: Nesting in the Tundra
6. FAQ: Common Questions About the Sanderling
7. Shortlist – Key Features

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Introduction: The Quick Sanderling

The Sanderling is a small, agile bird that breeds in the cold Arctic tundra and spends the winter along the world’s coastlines. It’s known for its bright white feathers in winter and its fast, darting movements along the beach, where it hunts for food.

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Features and Appearance: How to Identify the Sanderling

The Sanderling is a small bird with a slim body and short legs that help it move quickly over the sand.

• Feathers:

  • Summer (Breeding Plumage): In the summer, the Sanderling’s back is reddish-brown with dark spots, while the belly stays white. This reddish color helps it blend into the Arctic tundra.
  • Winter (Non-Breeding Plumage): In the winter, the Sanderling turns almost pure white, especially on its belly. Its back and wings turn gray, giving it a bright, clean look.
  • Juveniles: Young Sanderlings have a black and white pattern on their back, making them look more spotted than the adults.

• Bill:
  The Sanderling has a short, straight black bill. It is thin and sharp, perfect for picking small food items like insects and tiny crabs from the sand.

• Eyes:
  The Sanderling has small, dark eyes that give it a lively and alert expression, matching its quick movements.

• Legs:
  The bird’s black legs are short and sturdy, allowing it to run quickly along the beach and keep pace with the rolling waves.

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Habitat and Distribution: Where the Sanderling Lives

The Sanderling is found mostly along coastlines. It breeds in the Arctic tundra, where it nests on small, raised areas between mosses and grasses. During winter, the Sanderling can be seen along the coasts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, especially in tidal flats and on sandy beaches.

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Behavior and Diet: A Fast Hunter on the Shore

The Sanderling is famous for its quick, running movements along the water’s edge. It follows the waves, darting in and out to catch small prey. Its diet includes small invertebrates, insects, worms, and crustaceans, which it picks from the sand with its sharp bill.

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Breeding: Nesting in the Tundra

In the Arctic tundra, the Sanderling builds its nest on small, raised areas, usually well-hidden among mosses and grasses. The female lays three to four eggs, which hatch after about three weeks. The chicks are active soon after hatching and quickly start looking for food alongside their parents.

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FAQ: Common Questions About the Sanderling

1. Where can I see the Sanderling?

In winter, you can spot the Sanderling along beaches and tidal flats. They are often seen in groups, running quickly along the shore.

2. How can I tell the Sanderling apart from other shorebirds?

The Sanderling is easy to identify by its white winter feathers, fast movements, and its short, straight black bill.

3. What does the Sanderling eat?

It eats small invertebrates, including worms, insects, and crustaceans, which it picks from the sand.

4. Where does the Sanderling breed?

The Sanderling breeds in the Arctic tundra, building its nest on the ground among grasses and mosses.

5. When is the Sanderling most active?

It is most active during its spring migration to the Arctic and autumn migration to warmer coasts. It can be seen feeding along the shore during the day.

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Shortlist – Key Features:

• Size: 18–21 cm
• Feathers (Summer): Reddish-brown on top, white underneath
• Feathers (Winter): White underneath, gray on top
• Bill: Short, straight, black
• Eyes: Dark
• Legs: Black
• Habitat: Arctic tundra in summer, worldwide coasts in winter
• Diet: Small invertebrates, insects, worms, and crustaceans

The Sanderling is a charming coastal bird, easy to spot due to its bright white winter feathers and quick, darting movements along the shore. Its ability to blend into different environments, from the Arctic to sandy beaches, makes it a fascinating bird to observe.