Latin name

Calidris ferruginea

Family

Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)

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.

Population

In the UK

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

Curlew sandpiper (breeding)

• Size: between robin-blackbird
• Feather colours: brown, black, white, red, orange, grey, cream/buff
• Beak colours: black/dark grey
• Beak length: long
• Beak thickness: long
• Beak shape: long
• Leg colour: black/grey
• Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground

Curlew sandpiper (juvenile)

• Colouring: Juvenile
• Size: between robin-blackbird
• Feather colours: brown, black, white, grey, cream/buff
• Beak colours: black/dark grey
• Beak length: long
• Beak thickness: long
• Beak shape: long
• Leg colour: black/grey
• Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground

• 
  Dunlin
• 
  Knot