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- Calidris alba
Identification
Length 20-21 cm, mass 41-102 g. A relatively small wader with a straight, stubby, black bill and a dark carpal ("shoulder") patch. Upper parts are pale grey above and under parts white. The legs are black and of medium length.
Distribution
Breeds in the far-northern Holarctic (concentrations in Canada, Greenland and Siberia); non-breeding range is worldwide. A summer visitor to Britain.
Taxonomy
Monotypic[1]; some authorities[2] recognise two subspecies.
Habitat
Coasts.
Behaviour
Forages in flocks on beaches, usually in moist sand. The diet includes crustaceans, small marine worms, insects, fish and molluscs.
3-4 eggs are laid in a ground scrape.
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