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Western Sandpiper |
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Calidris mauri |
| Description: 5 1/2 - 6 3/4" slightly larger than Least SP, grayer above with less streaked breast, feet black, bill black and short drooping slightly at tip, noticeably stouter than bill of Least Sandpiper | Habitat: High arctic tundra. In winter on beaches, mudflats, ponds, marsh creeks. Inland during migration on muddy shores of rivers and lakes. Probably the most abundant shorebird. Large flocks often seen flying and sharply turning in unison before settling back down on beaches or mudflats. |
| Nesting: 4 buff-colored eggs marked with brown in a depression or short grass, lined with grasses, on/near the ground | Range: breeds from northern Alaska, Canada south to Hudson Bay, winters across Oregon to southeast US, migrates through east and central states, mainly in west |
| Voice: A sharp cheh or churk, not as drawn out as the Least or Western Sandpipers | Diet: aquatic insects, mollusks, worms, crustaceans, forages with head down, running just above tide line or at water's edge. |
| Notes: thought to be the most numerous shore bird in North America, feeds with other Sandpipers, "Semipalmated" refers to birds' 'half-webbed' feet |
| When present in Oklahoma: seen during spring and fall migration, not thought to be resident bird |