Skip to main content
Close

Sanderling

Calidris alba

Photo by Noe and Pili
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

36.2422, -6.07859

Field Notes

Description:

The Sanderling is a small plump sandpiper, 18–20 cm in length. The winter bird is very pale, almost white apart from a dark shoulder patch. This is the source of the specific name, alba, which is the Latin for "white". Later in the summer, the face and throat become brick-red. It can be told from other small wading birds, given good views, by its lack of a hind toe. (Wikipedia)

Habitat:

The Sanderling breeds in the High Arctic areas of North America, Europe and Asia. In Eurasia it breeds Spitsbergen, and areas of northern Russia from the Taymyr Peninsula to the New Siberian Islands. In the northern winter it has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution across the world's marine coasts. It is a complete migrant, travelling between 3,000 to 10,000 km from its breeding grounds to its wintering sites. Birds that travel further also arrive later and leave sooner.

Notes:

Photographed in the beach of 'El Palmar'

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)

Thanks for your comments Sachin and Emma. But... Emma I think you have made a comment about another animal :)
I love the way the Fossa is sleeping. Must be a very comfortable and confident animal
Thanks for your comments Victoria and Anjali :) Despite being a crowded beach in summer, it has a rich biodiversity in winter.

Spotted for Missions

Photographed
PublishedNovember 24, 2011

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon