The White-rumped Sandpiper: A Fascinating Bird
The White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) is a small-to-medium-sized migratory bird that breeds in the Arctic tundra of North America and Siberia. It is known for its distinctive white rump patch, which sets it apart from other Calidris sandpipers.
Basic Description
Adults are about 6-8 inches long with a wingspan of 14-16 inches. They have dark-brown upperparts, pale underparts, and a distinct white eyebrow stripe. During breeding season males have darker chestnut-colored patches on their breasts than females do.
Where To Find This Bird
During migration season, these birds can be found along the coasts and inland wetlands of North America and Europe. In particular, they frequent mudflats, salt marshes, freshwater ponds or lakeshores where they feed on insects and small crustaceans.
Habitat
White-rumped Sandpipers breed in the western Arctic tundra of North America and Siberia during Spring before migrating to wintering grounds in southern South American countries such as Peru or Brazil by late September/October.
Food
These birds feed primarily on insects such as flies or mosquitoes but also consume small crustaceans like amphipods when available to provide them with essential nutrients during long flights between breeding sites in their northern habitats down south over thousands upon thousands miles each year!
Cool Facts
1. These birds fly non-stop across continents from one end of the world to another – an incredible feat that takes around two months!
2. The species has been observed flying at altitudes up to 5 km (3 miles) above sea level!
3. Both male and female work together during incubation period taking turns sitting on eggs.
4. Their population numbers have been declining since early twentieth century mainly due habitat loss resulting from climate change and human activities such as oil drilling or agriculture.
