sandpipers

Sandpipers are small- to medium-sized shorebirds belonging to the family Scolopacidae. The name covers a diverse group of species that typically have slender bills, long legs, and a habit of foraging along mudflats, beaches, and wetlands.

They have a broad global distribution, from Arctic tundra to temperate coasts and inland wetlands. Many sandpipers migrate long distances between breeding grounds in northern regions and wintering areas in the tropics or subtropics.

Feeding behavior utilizes tactile foraging and opportunistic feeding on invertebrates. They probe the substrate, pick prey from the surface, or glean from shallow water. Bill length and curvature vary among species, shaping their foraging niches.

Plumage varies with season and age. Breeding plumage is often more patterned and colorful, while non-breeding plumage is subtler. Identification often relies on size, shape, bill length, leg color, and distinctive plumage patterns.

Migration and conservation: Shorebirds depend on a network of habitat-rich stopover sites along migratory routes. Global populations face threats from habitat loss, coastal development, pollution, and climate change; several species are listed as of concern or are monitored.

Taxonomy and diversity: The term 'sandpiper' is a common name applied to many species within Scolopacidae, including genera such as Calidris, Tringa, and Numenius. Together with related shorebirds, sandpipers play an important role in wetland ecosystems by consuming invertebrates and helping optimize nutrient cycling.