Surfbird

The Surfbird, Calidris virgata, is a small, stocky wader belonging to the family Scolopacidae. It exhibits a short dark bill, yellow legs, and a distinctive black band at the end of its white rump. The plumage varies seasonally, with breeding adults showing dark streaks on a brownish head and breast, dark spots on white underparts, and rust-colored wings. In contrast, winter and immature birds display mainly grey upperparts and breast, with white underparts and streaking.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Surfbird, look for its short, stout bill and yellow legs, which contrast with its dark upperparts and white rump with a black terminal band. During the breeding season, note the streaked appearance of its head and breast, as well as the rust-colored patches on its wings. In non-breeding plumage, the bird appears more uniformly grey with less pronounced streaking.

Habitat

Surfbirds breed in the rocky tundra of Alaska and the Yukon, preferring areas with a mix of scree, rock fields, lichens, dwarf shrubs, and Dryas. Outside the breeding season, they are specialists of rocky shores, reefs, and ledges along the coast, ranging from the spray zone to just above the tide line.

Distribution

These birds undertake a remarkable migration from their breeding grounds in Alaska and the Yukon to the Pacific coasts of North and South America, stretching from southern Alaska to the southernmost tip of Tierra del Fuego. Their distribution is coastal, rarely straying from the shoreline.

Behaviour

Surfbirds are often seen in small flocks, sometimes mingling with turnstones. They are known for their migratory habits, traveling vast distances between breeding and wintering grounds. The birds are self-sufficient from a young age, with both parents providing care.

Song & Calls

The Surfbird's vocalization is a simple, whistled "tee tee tee," which can be heard during their breeding season.

Breeding

The female Surfbird lays a clutch of 4 eggs in a ground depression lined with vegetation. Both parents are involved in rearing the young, who are precocial and feed themselves.

Similar Species

The Surfbird can be confused with turnstones and the great knot due to its size and shape. However, its unique plumage, especially the black band on the rump and yellow legs, helps distinguish it from these relatives.

Diet and Feeding

During the breeding season, Surfbirds primarily consume insects and occasionally seeds. Outside of breeding, their diet shifts to mollusks and crustaceans found along the rocky coastlines where they forage.

Conservation status

The Surfbird is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or habitat loss at a global scale.