The Upland Sandpiper is a medium-sized shorebird that breeds in grasslands across central North America and winters in South America. Its populations have declined significantly in recent decades due to habitat loss and degradation. Upland Sandpipers require large open spaces with relatively short grasses and scattered bare ground. They are vulnerable to disturbance and habitat fragmentation. Protecting existing grasslands from development and maintaining appropriate grazing regimes are key conservation measures for this species.
What is an Upland Sandpiper?
The Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) is a medium-sized shorebird in the family Scolopacidae. It is about 11-12 inches long with a wingspan of 22-26 inches. Some key identifying features include:
Physical Description
– Long neck and small head
– Large eyes set high on the head
– Long tail feathers
– Short yellow legs
– Mostly brownish upperparts with buff and black spotted pattern
– White undersides with brown barring on flanks
– Long yellow bill with black tip
Behavior
– Gregarious in migration and on wintering grounds, more solitary when breeding
– Flight style is stiff and swift with rapid wingbeats
– When flushed, utters a sharp “weep” call
– Male performs sky-dance displays and song flights over breeding territory
Habitat and Range
– Breeds in grasslands, pastures, hayfields across central North America
– Winters in grasslands and agricultural areas of South America
– Prefers areas with relatively short vegetation and bare ground
– Migration routes span between breeding and wintering grounds
So in summary, the Upland Sandpiper is a medium-sized, long-necked shorebird that breeds in open grassy areas and winters in South America. It has undergone significant population declines in recent decades.
Why are Upland Sandpiper populations declining?
Upland Sandpiper populations have declined by over 60% since the 1960s based on breeding bird survey data. The major causes of decline include:
Habitat Loss
– Conversion of grasslands to croplands
– Development of prairies for industrial, commercial and residential uses
– Expansion of woody vegetation due to fire suppression
This habitat loss eliminates breeding and foraging areas for the sandpipers.
Habitat Degradation
– Improper grazing practices that reduce vegetation heterogeneity
– Lack of disturbance patterns that maintain short vegetation
-Haying during nesting season destroys nests and kills young
– Draining of wetlands reduces insect prey populations
Predation
– Fragmentation increases edge habitat and predators like foxes
– Loss of predator avoidance through tall dense vegetation
Climate Change
– May alter precipitation patterns and plant communities in grasslands
– Could affect insect prey populations and migration timing
So in summary, widespread habitat loss and degradation along with increased predation risk have caused Upland Sandpiper numbers to decline sharply.
What specific habitat do Upland Sandpipers require?
Upland Sandpipers have very specific breeding habitat requirements:
Short Vegetation
– Prefer grasslands with vegetation 5-15 inches tall
– Bare ground needed for mobility and predator detection
Heterogeneous Vegetation
– Mix of short grasses, some tall grasses, broad-leaved plants, and bare ground
– Variety of heights and densities provides nesting and roosting sites
Large Tracts
– Need at least 50 acres of contiguous grassland
– Area required depends on landscape context
Proper Disturbance Regimes
– Periodic disturbances like grazing, mowing, burning maintains vegetation structure
– Type and timing must maintain above habitat preferences
Low Predator Densities
– Vulnerable to high predation in fragmented landscapes
– Need expansive habitats with low predator populations
In summary, Upland Sandpipers need large tracts of grasslands with structural heterogeneity maintained by proper disturbance regimes and low predation pressure.
When do Upland Sandpipers breed and nest?
The breeding season of Upland Sandpipers is fairly restricted:
Arrival on Breeding Grounds
– Migrate north in April and May
– Males arrive first to establish territories
– Females arrive aproximately one week later
Breeding Season
– Males display and defend territories from late April to August
– Nest initiation typically late May to early July
– Single brood, occasionally two broods
Nesting
– Scrape nests in shallow depression on ground
– Loosely lined with grasses and leaves
– Clutch size 3-4 eggs typically
– Incubation 22-28 days by female only
– Chicks precocial, leave nest shortly after hatching
Chick Rearing
– Female cares for chicks, male plays no role
– Chicks fledge at 21-25 days old
– Family groups remain together until migration
Migration South
– Adults leave breeding grounds August to September
– Juveniles migrate later from September to October
– Migrate at night in loose flocks
So the nesting season is fairly compact from May to August, timed with peak food resources on breeding grounds.
How can grazing practices be managed for Upland Sandpipers?
Grazing by livestock is a primary disturbance tool that can create and maintain suitable habitat structure for Upland Sandpipers when properly managed:
Grazing Intensity
– Moderate intensity grazing preferred
– Creates mix of short and tall grasses
Grazing Distribution
– Even distribution of grazing maintains habitat structure
– Rotational grazing helps prevent overgrazing
Grazing Season
– Winter grazing helps provides short vegetation in spring
– Resting pastures during nesting season avoids trampling
Type of Livestock
– Bison grazing most closely mimics historic disturbance patterns
– Cattle can be used but may require more active management
Stocking Rates
– Careful control of livestock density prevents overgrazing
– Range management principles should guide appropriate rates
With an ecologically-based grazing system, cattle ranching and Upland Sandpiper conservation can be compatible.
What other habitat management practices help Upland Sandpipers?
In addition to grazing, other management practices can enhance Upland Sandpiper habitat:
Prescribed Fire
– Burns every 3-10 years maintains vegetation structure
– Increases habitat heterogeneity if applied variably
Mowing and Haying
– Can mimic grazing disturbance
– Should be avoided during nesting season
Woody Plant Control
– Removal of shrubs and saplings prevents encroachment
– Spot-mowing, cutting, herbicide, and fire all options
Wetland Conservation
– Protects important foraging areas for insects
– Maintains landscape diversity
Invasive Species Control
– Removal of invasive grasses protects native communities
– Spot-spraying or biological control methods
Conservation Easements
– Provides financial incentives for private landowners to maintain habitat
Proactive habitat management must be tailored to local conditions to maintain suitable breeding areas.
What legal protections help conserve Upland Sandpipers?
There are several legal designations and protections that can aid Upland Sandpiper conservation:
Federal Laws
– Migratory Bird Treaty Act – prohibits harming or harassing the species
– Endangered Species Act – identifies threatened and endangered species
State Laws
– Species of special concern or threatened status in many states
– Provides state-level habitat protections
Recovery Plans
– Multi-state regional partnerships to restore populations
– Example: Playa Lakes Joint Venture conservation plan
Protected Area Designations
– National parks, wildlife refuges, etc. conserve habitat
– Important Bird Areas designated for the species
Mitigation Regulations
– Requires “no net loss” policies for wetlands that provide habitat
International Treaties
– Conservation of migratory bird routes and wintering grounds
– Ex: Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network
Coordinated efforts across jurisdictions and multiple levels of government facilitate Upland Sandpiper protection.
What future research and monitoring needs exist for the Upland Sandpiper?
Some key remaining research and monitoring needs for Upland Sandpipers include:
Migration Studies
– Stopover habitat needs during migration are poorly known
– Transmitters could reveal migration routes and challenges
Population Monitoring
– Continued continent-wide surveys to detect population trends
– Local surveys on breeding and wintering grounds
Nesting Success Research
– Factors impacting nest success poorly known
– Assess impacts of grazing, haying, fire etc. on reproduction
Habitat Use Research
– Detailed habitat preferences and minimum area requirements
– Effects of grassland fragmentation
Genetic Research
– Population genetic structure and diversity
– Genetic evidence can guide conservation planning
Filling these remaining knowledge gaps will support sound conservation strategies moving forward. Ongoing research and monitoring is essential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, protecting Grassland Sandpiper populations requires maintaining expansive heterogeneous grasslands through ecologically-based grazing, prescribed fire, and other management. Coordinated legal protections across jurisdictions, partnerships between government agencies and private landowners, continued research, and long-term population monitoring will also be key elements of conservation strategies going forward. With proactive management and habitat protection, it is possible to reverse the declines of this species and ensure healthy Upland Sandpiper populations into the future. The Upland Sandpiper serves as an indicator of the health of North America’s imperiled native grasslands, so conservation efforts will have wide-reaching benefits for many species.