Sanderlings are brownish-gray in spring. Their plumage lightens to grayish-white in winter. (Alicia Pimental)
The sanderling is a small, pale sandpiper with black legs and a straight black bill. It visits the Chesapeake Bay’s beaches and tidal flats from autumn through spring.
Appearance:
Small, stout body
Plumage is brownish-gray in spring and grayish-white in winter
White belly
Broad, white stripe bordered by black on the wings
Straight black bill
Black legs
Grows 7-8 inches with a wingspan of 14 inches
Habitat:
Lives on mud flats and sandy beaches
Small flocks dart along the water’s edge, quickly running away from incoming waves
Range:
Visits the Chesapeake Bay region in autumn, winter and spring
Most often seen in the lower portion of the Bay
Feeding:
Eats small, beach-dwelling animals such as bristle worms, amphipods, mollusks and crustaceans
Feeds at the water’s edge by probing the sand with its bill
Predators:
Few predators outside of its breeding grounds
Flight:
Flies in flocks
White wing stripe is visible during flight
Quickly flies away if disturbed
Voice:
Usually silent, but may make a soft wick-wick sound
Reproduction and Life Cycle:
Does not nest and breed in the Bay region
Breeds on islands along the rocky coast of the high Arctic tundra
Once their chicks hatch, sanderlings migrate south through the Chesapeake Bay region for the winter
Can live for 13 years
Other Facts:
Sanderlings are one of the most widespread wintering shorebirds in the world. They can be found from Massachusetts to the tip of South America.
The only sandpiper that lacks a hind toe. This allows sanderlings to be strong runners.
