Key information
The common sandpiper is a smallish wader with contrasting brown upperparts and white underparts. It habitually bobs up and down, known as 'teetering', and has a distinctive flight with stiff, bowed wings. Its presence is often betrayed by its three-note call which it gives as it flies off.
What they eat:
Insects and some worms and molluscs.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 19-21cm
- Wingspan:
- 32-35cm
- Weight:
- 40-60g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 15,000 pairs
- UK wintering:
- 73 birds
Identifying features:
Common sandpiper
