Key information
The wood sandpiper is a medium-sized wading bird, with a fine straight bill, yellowish legs and a conspicuous long white stripe from the bill over the eye to the back of the neck. In flight, it shows no wing-stripes and a square white rump.
Is is a passage migrant in spring and autumn, breeding in Northern Europe and wintering in Africa. A few pairs breed in the Scottish Highlands. The flooding of some previously drained traditional marshes in Scotland may help this species in future. Wood sandpipers are listed as a Schedule 1 species.
What they eat:
Insects, worms, spiders, shellfish, small fish and small aquatic invertebrates.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 19-21cm
- Wingspan:
- 36-40cm
- Weight:
- 50-90g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 28 pairs
Identifying features:
Wood sandpiper
