Spotted sandpipers (Actitis macularius) are a small shorebird found across most of North America. They are named for the white spots on their backs and wings during breeding season. Spotted sandpipers are somewhat uncommon birds, but they are not considered rare or endangered.
Quick Facts on Spotted Sandpipers
Here are some key facts about spotted sandpipers:
- There are estimated to be 1.5 million spotted sandpipers in North America.
- They have a large range across most of North America.
- Spotted sandpipers have a stable population trend and are classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
- They inhabit the edges of rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastlines.
- Spotted sandpipers feed on invertebrates like insects, mollusks, and crustaceans.
While spotted sandpipers are not abundant everywhere, their large population size and distribution indicate they are not currently rare or threatened species.
Spotted Sandpiper Population and Distribution
The global population of spotted sandpipers is estimated at 1.5 million birds, with around 90% of those in North America. They have an extremely large breeding range across most of Canada and the United States. Their winter range extends from the southern United States down through Central America and parts of South America.
Across their range, spotted sandpipers can be found near water in areas like:
- River and stream edges
- Ponds, marshes, and wetlands
- Mudflats and shorelines
- Islands
They are widespread and common summer residents near water across much of Canada, Alaska, and the continental United States. Along the Pacific Coast, they are fairly common all year. On their wintering grounds that extend into parts of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America, they are locally abundant in many wetland habitats.
Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List categorizes spotted sandpipers as a species of Least Concern. This means they are not considered at risk of extinction now or in the foreseeable future. Their population trends appear stable, and they have a large range. While local populations may fluctuate, spotted sandpipers have not experienced significant long-term declines that would threaten the overall species.
The 2016 State of North America’s Birds report classified spotted sandpipers as a common bird with a population of 1.5 million. Species with populations between 500,000 to 5 million are defined as common. The report also noted spotted sandpipers had a positive population trend, estimated at 11% growth between 1970-2014.
In summary, spotted sandpipers are not rare from a conservation perspective based on their substantial numbers across North America.
Threats and Challenges
While not rare or substantially threatened, spotted sandpipers still face some localized threats and population declines. Potential threats include:
- Habitat loss: As wetlands are drained or degraded, it can reduce suitable nesting and foraging habitat.
- Disturbance: Increased recreation and human activity near shorelines may disturb nesting birds.
- Predators: Natural predators and introduced species can prey on eggs and chicks.
- Pollution: Water pollution from chemicals, oil spills, and waste can contaminate their wetland habitats and food sources.
Researchers recommend preserving shoreline habitats, controlling invasive predators, and limiting water pollution as conservation measures for spotted sandpipers.
Interesting Facts about Spotted Sandpipers
Beyond their conservation status, here are a few interesting facts about these shorebirds:
- Spotted sandpipers perform a teetering motion as they walk, bobbing their tails and heads. This distinctive behavior helps stir up insects to eat.
- The female spotted sandpiper leaves after mating and the male incubates the eggs and cares for the young. This is very rare among birds.
- They reuse the same nest in subsequent years, adding fresh material on top. Nests may be up to 10 inches tall after years of reuse.
- Young spotted sandpipers can fly within about 3 weeks after hatching.
- They migrate alone, not in flocks. Migration begins as early as late June and goes into October.
Spotted Sandpiper Identification
To identify spotted sandpipers, look for these key characteristics:
- Size: 6-7 inches long with a 12-13 inch wingspan
- Bill: Long and slightly upturned bill, dark with a yellowish base
- Legs: Yellow legs
- Plumage:
- Breeding: Gray-brown upperparts with white spots on back and wings. White underparts.
- Non-breeding: Paler gray-brown upperparts with faint or no white spots. White underparts.
- Behavior: Bobbing motion low over water, teetering walk, flies low over water with rapid wingbeats
- Habitat: Wetland edges, rivers, lakeshores, beaches, mudflats
Distinguishing features to separate them from similar peeps and sandpipers include the white spotting and teetering motions.
Where to See Spotted Sandpipers
The best places to observe spotted sandpipers include wetland areas across North America:
- Along river shorelines
- Coastal beaches and estuaries
- Mudflats in wetlands and marshes
- Lake and pond edges
- Islands with shoreline habitat
Some specific locations with large spotted sandpiper populations include:
- Boundary Bay, British Columbia
- Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, Kansas
- Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina
- Mandan, North Dakota along the Missouri River
- Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon
Look for their distinctive bobbing and teetering movements along muddy or rocky shorelines as they forage for food at the water’s edge. Listen for their “peet-weet” call.
Conclusion
In conclusion, spotted sandpipers are not considered rare birds across their range in North America. They have substantial populations in the millions, a vast breeding distribution, and a stable population trend. While not under threat as a species, localized habitat loss and disturbance can impact some populations. Preserving shorelines and wetlands will benefit these unique shorebirds into the future. Spotted sandpipers can be observed across North America in suitable habitats with their distinctive appearance and behaviors.