Sanderling

Calidris alba

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 6.5 inches
* Small shorebird
* Medium-length, thin, dark bill
* Dark legs
* Wide, white wing stripe
* Black line on rump extends onto tail
* Sexes similar

Adult alternate:

* Reddish head, back and breast with black spots
* Gray wings
* White belly

Adult basic:

* Pale gray head and upperparts
* Faint, partial gray breast band
* White underparts
* Indistinct white supercilium and dark eyeline

Juvenile:

* Checkered upperparts
* Black patch in front of folded wing
* Faint, partial gray breast band
* White underparts
* Face pattern bolder than adult basic

Similar species:

In alternate plumage, Red Knot and rare Curlew Sandpiper also have a reddish face and breast but are obviously larger and have more extensive red breasts. In basic plumage, the Sanderling is very similar to smaller 'peeps' but has a more obvious wing stripe.