Sanderling (Calidris alba)

Sanderlings (Calidris alba) look for food in the sea on beaches. Sanderlings feed on invertebrate prey buried in the sand just under the surface. They mainly eat small crabs and other small invertebrates they collect by quickly runnning up and down.

Sanderlings run very quickly and move all the time, to photograph them is quite a challenge.

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

First photo of this species on the site, well done! Posted 10 years ago

Engelbert

Bull Frog

Thanks! Posted 10 years ago

Ant Marriott

Lion

Sorry but I think this is a winter plumaged Sanderling not a Kentish Plover, the bill is too heavy. Posted 10 years ago

Engelbert

Bull Frog

Hi Ant, you're right. After an extra check online it is most likely a Sanderling (Calidris alba) or a dunlin (Calidris alpina). See how I can change the species name. Posted 10 years ago, modified 10 years ago

The Sanderling

The Sanderling is a small wader. It is a circumpolar Arctic breeder, and is a long-distance migrant, wintering south to South America, South Europe, Africa, and Australia. It is highly gregarious in winter, sometimes forming large flocks on coastal mudflats or sandy beaches.

Info 19 0

Similar species: Shorebirds And Allies

Species identified by Engelbert