Buff-breasted Sandpiper

The Buff-breasted Sandpiper, scientifically known as Calidris subruficollis, is a diminutive shorebird with a charming appearance. Its upper parts are cloaked in brown, while its face and underparts are suffused with a warm buff tone across all plumages. This species is characterized by a short bill and yellow legs, with males typically out-sizing the females. Juvenile birds mirror the adults but may exhibit a paler hue on their posterior underparts.

Identification Tips

When observing these birds, look for their distinctive buff face and underparts, short bill, and yellow legs. Males are larger than females, which can be a helpful distinction during the breeding season. The wingspan of this species is approximately 460 mm (18 inches), with a length ranging from 190–230 mm (7.5–8.9 inches).

Habitat

Outside of the breeding season, the Buff-breasted Sandpiper favors short-grass habitats such as airfields or golf courses, rather than areas proximate to water.

Distribution

Breeding in the open arctic tundra of North America, the Buff-breasted Sandpiper is a long-distance migrant that winters mainly in South America, especially in Argentina. During migration, it travels primarily through central North America and is less commonly found along the coasts.

Behaviour

This species is known for its ground-nesting habits in the northern reaches of Canada, including Alaska. The male performs a captivating display, raising his wings to reveal the white undersides, a spectacle that can be witnessed even during migration in the absence of fellow sandpipers. These birds are often remarkably tame and may be seen foraging for food by sight.

Song & Calls

The Buff-breasted Sandpiper's vocalizations are less documented in this context, but like many shorebirds, they likely have a repertoire of calls used during breeding and migration.

Breeding

The Buff-breasted Sandpiper nests on the ground, laying a clutch of four eggs. The male's display, involving the exhibition of white wing undersides, is part of its breeding behavior.

Similar Species

This species has been suspected of hybridizing with the White-rumped or Baird's Sandpiper, indicating that these species may share similar characteristics.

Diet and Feeding

Invertebrates, particularly insects, comprise the bulk of the Buff-breasted Sandpiper's diet. Notably, they are known to prey on Bombus polaris, a bumblebee species within the Arctic Circle, which they may consume themselves or provide to their young.

Conservation status

The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This status calls for monitoring and conservation efforts to ensure the species' survival.