juvenile closely resembles adult (California, USA; 2007-10-13)


Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris melanotos

Native Range: North America and Eurasia

Notes: a mid-sized sandpiper of grassy ponds and mudflats; no sexual dimorphism in plumage but males can be up to 50% heavier than females; with its yellowish legs, superficially resembles Least Sandpiper but is much larger.

frontal view; necklace-like breast streaks (California, USA; 2007-10-13)
dorsal view, showing yellow legs (California, USA; 2006-09-07)

side view; slightly downturned bill (California, USA; 2007-10-13)
stretching (California, USA; 2007-10-13)

bird in a hurry; yellowish base to bill (California, USA; 2006-07-07)