Marsh Sandpiper

The Marsh Sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis, presents itself as a small, delicate wader, reminiscent of an elegant Greenshank. It is adorned with a long, fine bill and impressively long, yellowish legs. In its breeding attire, it sports a greyish-brown plumage, which lightens to a paler shade during the winter months. A distinctive white wedge marks its back, becoming particularly conspicuous in flight.

Identification Tips

To distinguish the Marsh Sandpiper, one should note its slender build and the aforementioned long, fine bill and legs. Its size ranges from 22 to 26 cm in length, with a wingspan of 55 to 59 cm, and it weighs between 45 to 120 grams. The bird's breeding plumage is a subdued light brown with darker mottling and a pattern of diffuse small brownish spots on the breast and neck.

Habitat

The Marsh Sandpiper breeds in the open grassy steppe and taiga wetlands, preferring habitats that range from easternmost Europe to the Russian Far East.

Distribution

This species is migratory, with the majority wintering in Africa and India, while others travel to Southeast Asia and Australia. They favor freshwater wetlands such as swamps and lakes during the winter and are typically observed alone or in small groups.

Behaviour

The Marsh Sandpiper is known for its solitary nature or tendency to gather in small flocks. It is a rare vagrant to North America, with sightings primarily in Alaska and California.

Similar Species

The Marsh Sandpiper may be confused with the Greenshank due to its similar size and coloration. However, it is more closely related to the Common Redshank and the Wood Sandpiper.

Conservation status

The Marsh Sandpiper is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is also one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.