- Calidris himantopus
Micropalama himantopus
Identification
20-23 cm
Long, greenish legs. Long neck. Long bill, drooped at the tip. White rump. Grey tail. Wings plain.
Breeding plumage heavily barred on the underside, with dark blotches on the back, and chestnut cheek patch.
Nonbreeding plumage all grey on back with lighter belly.
Distribution
Alaska, Manitoba, Ontario. Spends winters in South America and Florida and southern California.
Vagrant to Europe, including the British Isles (these are mostly adults in late summer).
Taxonomy
The Stilt Sandpiper has been placed in the genus Micropalama by some authorities.
The species is monotypic.
Habitat
Sedge meadows.
Behaviour
Breeding
It nests on the ground, 3-4 eggs are laid.
Diet
The diet includes insects and other invertebrates.
Vocalisation
Flight call: recalls Curlew Sandpiper's trrrp.
