Galapagos Sanderling Facts

Name: Sanderling
Family: Scolopacidae
Scientific Name: Calidris alba
Length: 20 - 21 cm (7.8 - 8.3 in)
Weight: 40–100 g (1.4–3.5 oz)

Category: Shore Birds
Number of Species: 28
Endemic Species: 19

In total, 21 species of water birds have been recorded in Galapagos, 10 of which are endemic to the Islands. Thirty-Four species of shore birds have been recorded in Galapagos, only 2 of which are endemic.

Category: Shore Birds
Family: Scolopacidae

A total of twenty-six species have been recorded in Galapagos, including 14 migrants and 12 vagrants. These shorebirds, recorded in Galapagos vary in size from the small sandpipers (often referred to as 'peeps') to the medium-sized Whimbrel. They also vary in structure from the short-legged to the long-legged and from the short-billed to the long-billed. The larger and strikingly plumaged species are generally quite easy to identify. However, the smaller ones can be difficult and some, particularly when they are in non-breeding plumage, are distinguishable only by careful observation of their overall structure, sub de plumage features, leg color, bill shape and rump pattern.

Common migrant, particularly during the northern winter, confined to the shore zone.

Identification:
A very active small wader, distinctively pale in non-breeding plumage, with short black bill and legs. Runs energetically along the tideline. ADULT BREEDING: Head, mantle and breast rusty-red; under parts white. ADULT NON-BREEDlNG / FIRST-WINTER: Very pale grey above, with black shoulder-patch, and pure white below. JUVENILE: Mantle checkered black and white; creamy wash on breast and flanks.

Voice:
A sharp "krit", often repeated.