Upland Sandpiper
Bartramia longicauda
The Upland Sandpiper is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during the spring and autumn, often in open, grassy areas such as moorlands and heathlands. It is a large sandpiper with a distinctive appearance, making it a sought-after sighting for British birdwatchers.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Upland Sandpiper in the field.
The Upland Sandpiper can be identified by its long tail, blackish-brown markings on its back, and a distinctive white stripe above its eye. Its long neck and legs also distinguish it from other sandpipers.
The Upland Sandpiper is larger than a Redshank, but smaller than a Curlew, making it a medium-sized wader.
The male Upland Sandpiper has a brownish-grey back with blackish-brown markings, a white belly, and a long, blackish-brown tail with a white tip, with little seasonal variation in its plumage.
The female Upland Sandpiper is similar to the male, with no significant differences in plumage.
The Upland Sandpiper's call is a loud, whistled "wolf-whistle" sound, often transcribed as "wee-cheer" or "chu-wee".
The Upland Sandpiper is a ground-nesting bird that feeds on insects, seeds, and small invertebrates, often running or walking to catch its prey, and is known for its swift, direct flight.
The Upland Sandpiper can be confused with the Curlew, but can be distinguished by its longer tail, shorter legs, and distinctive white stripe above its eye, as well as its more rapid, erratic flight pattern.
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