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LC
Least Concern
A
Animalia
N
Native
Archipelago Wide
The sanderling is a small wading bird named from Old English and Latin roots, meaning “sand-ploughman” and “white,” respectively. It breeds in the Arctic and migrates long distances to winter in regions like South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. Known for forming large flocks on coastal mudflats or sandy beaches during winter, the sanderling is distinct from other sandpipers, though recent studies suggest it fits within the typical “stint” group.
Resembling a dunlin but stouter with a thick bill, the sanderling is recognized by its strong white wingbar in flight and its unique “bicycling” leg movement on sandy beaches. It feeds on small crabs and invertebrates, and during spring migration, it consumes horseshoe crab eggs in Delaware Bay. On its High Arctic breeding grounds, it lays 3-4 eggs in ground scrapes and primarily eats insects and some plant material.