Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos). Taken at Farmoor, Oxon., on January 16th 2024.

Description

L: 18 - 21 cm; WS: 32 - 35 cm

The Common Sandpiper is a smallish wader, with contrasting brown upper parts and white underparts.

It is widely found in western, northern and central Europe in summer. It winters around the Mediterranean, although some birds spend the winter in the UK.

It breeds near water in forested areas, mostly in the north and west of the UK. Summer visitors arrive in March and April and leave the breeding grounds in July and August, with the young following in September.

It habitually bobs up and down, and has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its three-note call, given as it flies off, is distinctive.

The Common Sandpiper has amber status on the UK list. Around 15000 pairs breed in the UK, but fewer than 100 individuals spend the winter here.

Sightings