Animal profile

Sanderling

Calidris alba

AvesSandy ocean beaches in winter, high Arctic tundra in the breeding seasonLeast Concern

Field profile

The sanderling is a small pale sandpiper best known for running along the swash line of ocean beaches. It breeds on high Arctic tundra and winters on sandy shores worldwide. It lacks a hind toe, which is unusual among sandpipers.

Published field notes

2025-06-29

Sanderling

The sanderling feeds in the retreating wave

Sanderlings chase each wave back down the beach and retreat ahead of the next. The timing is not play: the few seconds after water drains is when buried prey is closest to the surface and the sand is soft enough to probe quickly.

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