breeding plumage; no sexual dimorphism (California, USA; 2006-04-15)


Western Sandpiper
Calidris mauri

Native Range: North America

Notes: an abundant sandpiper of mudflats and estuarine beaches; breeds on Alaska's North Slope, winters along both Pacific and Atlantic coasts; slightly larger than co-occurring Least Sandpiper and with dark (rather than light-colored) legs.


frontal view (California, USA; 2009-07-12) 		rufous on head and scapulars (California, USA; 2009-07-12)

flock in breeding plumage (California, USA; 2006-04-15)
larger flock (California, USA; 2006-04-15)

nonbreeding plumage; grayish overall (California, USA; 2006-09-24)
nonbreeder in flight (California, USA; 2007-10-14)

juvenile; scalloping on scapulars, back (California, USA; 2006-09-10)
juvenile (California, USA; 2006-09-24)

feeding flock (California, USA; 2006-03-26)
spread out feeding on a mudflat (California, USA; 2006-02-05)

breeders and nonbreeders mixed flock (California, USA; 2006-03-26)
flock in flight; white tail margins (California, USA; 2007-10-14)

white stripe out the wing (California, USA; 2007-10-14)
wheeling flock on beach (California, USA; 2006-04-15)

a curious group of winter onlookers (California, USA; 2007-10-14)