The Short-billed Dowitcher is a medium-sized shorebird that can be tricky to identify due to its similarity to the Long-billed Dowitcher. However, with some practice, Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitchers can be reliably distinguished by differences in body and bill size and shape, plumage, vocalizations, and behavior.
Range
The first step in identifying a Short-billed Dowitcher is understanding where it occurs. Short-billed Dowitchers breed in the interior regions of Alaska and Canada and migrate through the Great Plains to winter along the coasts of Mexico and the southeastern United States. They are rare west of the Rocky Mountains. Long-billed Dowitchers have a more western distribution, breeding in western Alaska and wintering along the Pacific Coast from California to Peru.
Size and Shape
Size and body proportions are helpful identification clues. Short-billed Dowitchers are smaller with a more petite, rounded body shape compared to Long-billed Dowitchers. The differences may be subtle, but with practice they can be detected even at a distance. The following table summarizes the size differences:
Feature | Short-billed Dowitcher | Long-billed Dowitcher |
---|---|---|
Length | 8.7-10.6 in (22-27 cm) | 11.8-13.8 in (30-35 cm) |
Wingspan | 16.5-19.7 in (42-50 cm) | 20.9-22.8 in (53-58 cm) |
Bill Length (from tip to skull) | 1.4-2.2 in (3.5-5.5 cm) | 2.4-3.5 in (6-9 cm) |
The bill length is an excellent feature for identification. The bill of the Short-billed Dowitcher averages about half the length of the head, while the Long-billed Dowitcher’s bill is noticeably longer than half the head length.
Plumage
Plumage differences provide additional characteristics to separate Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitchers. In breeding plumage, Short-billed Dowitchers have brighter, more saturated reddish underparts compared to the duller orange of the Long-billed. The barring on the flanks and undertail coverts is also slightly darker and denser on breeding Short-billeds.
In winter plumage, Short-billed Dowitchers tend to show darker gray upperparts with more patterned feather edges, versus the paler gray plumage of winter Long-billeds. The white spots on the uppertail coverts of the Short-billed Dowitcher are larger and more pronounced than those of Long-billeds.
Vocalizations
The vocalizations of Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitchers also differ. Short-billeds give a rapid, stuttering “tu-tu-tu” call in flight, while Long-billeds have a slower, more whistled “keek-keek-keek.” At breeding sites, the song of displaying male Short-billeds includes a sharp, whistled “whit” note that is higher pitched compared to the equivalent note in the Long-billed’s song.
Behavior
Differences in feeding behavior may also aid identification, although there is some overlap between the two species. Short-billed Dowitchers use a rapid sewing machine-like feeding action, taking frequent, short jabs at prey. Long-billed Dowitchers feed somewhat slower with more deliberate probing motions. Short-billeds are also more likely to feed in tightly packed flocks, whereas Long-billeds spread out more.
Similar Species
Other shorebirds like Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs can appear similar at first glance but are easily separated from dowitchers by their cleaner, more contrasting plumage pattern, slender bodies, and long legs. The Stilt and Common sandpipers have superficially similar bills but very different body and wing proportions than Short-billed Dowitchers.
Hybrids
Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitchers are known to interbreed where their ranges overlap. The resulting hybrids show intermediate characteristics and can be very challenging to confidently identify to species. Look for a mix of features, such as moderate body size, intermediate bill length, and a blended plumage tone.
Aging Dowitchers
Age is another factor to consider when identifying dowitchers. Juvenile Short-billed Dowitchers have drabber plumage overall with less crisp patterning. By early fall, molt allows juveniles to acquire plumage similar to winter adults. Below are some tips for aging dowitchers in fall and winter when most migrate:
Juvenile Plumage
- Upperparts brownish gray with diffuse buff feather edging
- Head and neck solidly streaked
- Underparts pale with diffuse streaking on breast
First Winter Plumage
- Grayer upperparts with some distinct patterning
- Fine streaking on head and neck
- Paler underparts with little or no streaking on breast
Adult Winter Plumage
- Gray upperparts with distinct white spotting and barring
- White underparts
- Boldly patterned tertials
In Flight
In flight, Short-billed Dowitchers display the typical slender, needle-like dowitcher silhouette. Compared to Long-billed Dowitchers, Short-billeds have shorter wings and a quicker, stiffer wingbeat. The underwing linings appear slightly darker on Short-billeds as well. The short bill may poke out beyond the tail, but often the bill length can be difficult to judge on flying birds.
Conclusion
With good views and a little experience, Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitchers can be confidently identified by differences in size, proportions, plumage tone, vocalizations, and behavior. While some individuals can show intermediate features, most dowitchers exhibit a clear preponderance of Short-billed or Long-billed characteristics. Understanding the range and migration timing of each species is also essential context for proper identification. Patient observation coupled with knowledge of key field marks allows even challenging dowitchers to be identified to species.