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Curlew sandpiper

Green conservation status

Latin name

Calidris ferruginea

Family

Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)

Overview

Similar to a dunlin, but in autumn it looks cleaner and paler with a white eyestripe. It has a longer, more down-curved bill than a dunlin and will feed in slightly deeper water. Deep chestnut breeding plumage unmistakable in spring and summer. In flight it shows a bright white rump.

Where to see them

They like saltmarshes with muddy pools and shallow coastal lagoons. Largest numbers along the E England coast in autumn in places like the RSPB's Titchwell Marsh reserve.

When to see them

Mainly seen in August and September.

What they eat

Snails, worms and flies.

Estimated numbers

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
---670 birds

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

In the UK
Most English coasts and the E coasts of Scotland and N Ireland.

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

2 illustrations

Illustrations
Curlew sandpiper winter

Winter

Similar birds

Dunlin in summer plumage (illustration)

Dunlin

Knot in winter plumage (illustration)

Knot

Help the Curlew sandpiper

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