White-rumped Sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollis
The White-rumped Sandpiper is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during the autumn months, particularly in the northern and western parts of the country. It can be spotted in coastal wetlands, estuaries, and muddy shores, often in the company of other small shorebirds.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify White-rumped Sandpiper in the field.
The White-rumped Sandpiper is distinguished by its white rump patch, which is visible in flight, as well as its brownish-grey back and wings, and its black legs and bill. Its relatively long tail and distinctive wing pattern also help to identify this species.
The White-rumped Sandpiper is smaller than a Starling, measuring around 15-20 cm in length, and is one of the smaller species of shorebirds that can be found in Britain.
The male White-rumped Sandpiper has a brownish-grey back and wings, with a white belly and a white rump patch, and its plumage does not vary significantly with the seasons.
The female White-rumped Sandpiper is similar to the male, with no significant differences in plumage.
The White-rumped Sandpiper has a high-pitched, whistled call, often transcribed as a sharp "chee-chee-chee" or "chu-chu-chu" sound.
The White-rumped Sandpiper is a migratory species that feeds on small invertebrates, such as insects and crustaceans, which it picks up from the surface of mudflats and wetlands, often running or probing with its bill to find food.
The White-rumped Sandpiper can be confused with other small shorebirds, such as the Little Stint and the Sanderling, but can be distinguished from these species by its white rump patch and its relatively long tail, as well as its distinctive call and feeding behaviour.
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