breeding adult running; no sexual dimorphism (California, USA; 2006-05-14)


Sanderling
Calidris alba

Native Range: North America and Eurasia

Notes: a light-colored sandpiper of outer sandy beaches; actively runs up and down the beach like a wind-up toy, advancing and retreating with each successive wave and grabbing food items churned up at the water's edge; nests in the high subarctic and winters along Atlantic and Pacific beaches.

breeding plumage; rufous on scapulars, body (California, USA; 2007-05-13)
white stripe out wing (California, USA; 2007-05-13)

nonbreeder; black shoulder patch (California, USA; 2009-03-21)
frontal view; very whitish overall (California, USA; 2006-12-30)
dorsal view; plain back; black bill, legs (California, USA; 2006-10-15)
landing; white stripe out wing (California, USA; 2009-03-21)

two breeders (left) and two nonbreeders (California, USA; 2007-05-13)
juvenile; more patterned on back (California, USA; 2007-09-27)

juvenile in flight (California, USA; 2007-09-27)
flock in flight, with a few Western Sandpipers (California, USA; 2006-04-15)

flock lounging on beach (California, USA; 2006-03-01)
flock with a few Western Sandpipers also (California, USA; 2006-04-15)

frontal view of adult in breeding plumage (zoo; 2012-06-21)
side view of adult in breeding plumage (zoo; 2012-06-21)