The Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) is a medium-sized shorebird that breeds in the high Arctic tundra and migrates long distances to wintering grounds in coastal wetlands, fields, and shallow freshwater habitats in North and South America. Identifying Pectoral Sandpipers can be challenging because they look very similar to several other “peep” sandpipers in the genus Calidris. However, with some practice, Pectoral Sandpipers can be confidently identified by their distinctive combination of size, structure, plumage, behavior, habitat, and range. This article will cover the key identification features to look for when trying to distinguish a Pectoral Sandpiper from other “peeps.”
Size and Structure
The Pectoral Sandpiper is a medium-sized sandpiper, measuring 7.5-9.5 inches in length with a wingspan of 16-20 inches. This makes it one of the larger “peeps” alongside the White-rumped Sandpiper. The Pectoral Sandpiper has a moderately long neck and bill and fairly long yellowish legs. The legs appear slightly thicker and sturdier than on the very delicate-looking Least Sandpiper. The Pectoral Sandpiper’s body and wings have a rounder, fuller shape compared to the very slender and flat winged Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers. When standing, the Pectoral Sandpiper has a horizontal stance rather than the hunched posture of smaller peeps. In flight, the Pectoral Sandpiper has slower, deeper wingbeats compared to smaller sandpipers. Paying attention to these structural differences in size, proportions, and posture can be very helpful for identifying Pectoral Sandpipers among flocks of feeding and flying shorebirds.
Plumage
The plumage of the Pectoral Sandpiper also shows some distinctive features that aid identification. Here are some key plumage characteristics to look for:
Breeding Plumage
– Boldly patterned breast: Scalloped/spotted dark brown on white background. This breast pattern is unique among the small sandpipers.
– Yellowish “eyebrow” stripe over eye.
– Dark ear spot.
– Fine streaking on mantle (back).
Non-breeding Plumage
– Less distinctive breast pattern compared to breeding plumage, with smudgy streaks and spots. But still shows some markings compared to the plain breasts of peeps like Semipalmated Sandpiper.
– Clear-cut white supercilium (eyebrow stripe).
– Dark lateral crown stripes creating a capped appearance.
– Finely streaked upperparts with pale fringe to mantle feathers.
Juvenile Plumage
– Upperparts dark brown with buff feather edgings, giving a scaly appearance.
– Breast evenly marked with small dark spots and streaks.
– Pale supercilium.
– Buffy nape and hind neck.
Behavior
The behavior of Pectoral Sandpipers can also aid in identification:
– Methodical feeding action: Walk slowly and deliberately, probing into mud or grass. Less frenetic feeding style than small sandpipers.
– Crouched, horizontal stance when feeding.
– When flushed, flies steadily on broad wings with slower wingbeats compared to smaller sandpipers.
– Wary nature – may flush from further away than other sandpipers.
– In migration, often feeds in drier habitats like grassy fields, not just muddy shorelines.
– Outside of breeding season, usually found alone or in small groups rather than large flocks.
Paying attention to these behavioral clues like feeding style, stance, flight style, and flocking behavior can help distinguish Pectoral Sandpipers from other similar sandpipers.
Habitat
Pectoral Sandpipers use a variety of habitat types throughout the year:
Breeding Grounds
– Low-lying wet tundra.
– Drier tundra uplands.
– Pond and lake edges.
Migration Stopovers
– Freshwater mudflats and marshes.
– Flooded agricultural fields.
– Wet meadows and grasslands.
– Drier fields and grasslands.
Wintering Grounds
– Coastal marshes, mudflats, and estuaries.
– Flooded agricultural fields.
– Grasslands.
– Occasionally shorelines.
So while they sometimes occur in typical shorebird habitat like coastal mudflats, Pectoral Sandpipers are also likely to be found in grassy fields, agricultural lands, and other open moist habitats during migration and winter. This affinity for grasslands helps distinguish them from more strictly coastal shorebirds.
Range
The breeding, migration, and wintering range of Pectoral Sandpipers can aid in identification:
Breeding Range
– Tundra habitats across northern Alaska, Canada, and Eurasia.
Migration Routes
– Through interior North America.
– Coastal routes less common than in other small sandpipers.
Wintering Range
– Southeastern U.S. across to Central America and northern South America.
– Very rare on the U.S. West Coast.
So a location within the known migration or wintering range makes a Pectoral Sandpiper much more likely compared to vagrants like the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Understanding these seasonal movement patterns helps inform identification.
Similar Species
The following similar sandpiper species are most likely to be confused with Pectoral Sandpipers:
White-rumped Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper | White-rumped Sandpiper |
– Stockier build | – More slender and elongated |
– Slower wingbeats in flight | – Rapid wingbeats in flight |
– Scalloped/spotted breast pattern | – Plain white breast |
– Yellowish legs | – Black legs |
– Horizontal stance when feeding | – Horizontal or hunched stance when feeding |
Western Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper | Western Sandpiper |
– Larger with longer neck and bill | – Very small with short neck and bill |
– Scalloped/streaked breast pattern | – Plain brown breast |
– Slower, less erratic feeding style | – Very active, constantly darting feeding motions |
– Yellowish legs | – Black legs |
– Broad, rounded wings in flight | – Long, pointed wings in flight |
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper | Semipalmated Sandpiper |
– Larger with a bulkier body | – Smaller with a slender, flat-backed shape |
– Breast pattern of small streaks and spots | – Plain brown/gray breast |
– Yellowish legs | – Dark gray legs |
– Less tightly packed when flocking | – Tightly packed when flocking |
– Slower, steadier flight style | – Rapid, jerky wingbeats in flight |
Carefully noting these multiple differences in size, shape, plumage, behavior, and habitat preference helps distinguish the Pectoral Sandpiper from other similar species.
Conclusion
Identifying shorebirds can be a tricky but rewarding challenge. When trying to identify a Pectoral Sandpiper, the key is looking at the full suite of characteristics – size, shape, plumage, behavior, habitat, and range – rather than any one trait alone. With practice, the distinctive features of the Pectoral Sandpiper will emerge to distinguish it from other small to medium sized sandpipers. Pay particular attention to the Pectoral’s medium size, stocky proportions, boldly marked breast pattern, unstreaked white underparts, yellowish legs, steady feeding style, and affinity for grasslands during migration. And remember that patience and persistence are just as important as knowing field marks when it comes to shorebird identification! The more time spent observing these elegant migrants, the easier identification will become.