- Calidris mauri
Identification
Dark legs, short thin dark bill, thinner at the tip, brown on top and white underneath, reddish-brown on the crown.
Distribution
Breeds in eastern Siberia and Alaska. Migrates on both coasts of North America, far more common on the west coast where 4 million can be found in one area. Winters in South America.
Taxonomy
Habitat
Tundra and mudflats.
Behaviour
They nest in scrapes on the ground usually under some vegetation. The male makes several scrapes; the female selects one and lays 4 eggs. Both parents incubate and care for the young. Sometimes the female deserts her mate and brood prior to the offspring fledging.
The diet includes insects, small crustaceans and molluscs.
