Common sandpiper
The common sandpiper, scientifically known as Actitis hypoleucos, is a small wading bird belonging to the Scolopacidae family. Typically measuring between 7 to 9.5 inches (18-24 cm) in length and weighing around 1.4 ounces (40 grams), it is characterized by its gray-brown plumage adorned with distinct white bars on the wings. Common sandpipers primarily inhabit the edges of freshwater environments such as ponds, rivers, and streams, favoring rocky shorelines but also foraging in muddy saltwater swamps and agricultural areas.
During migration, these birds travel extensive distances between breeding grounds in northern Europe and Asia and wintering locations across southern Africa, India, and parts of the southern Pacific. Solitary by nature outside of migration periods, they form small flocks. Notably, common sandpipers exhibit unique behaviors, including a broken-wing distraction technique to protect their nests from predators and elaborate aerial displays during mating rituals. They typically nest near water in concealed locations, laying four speckled eggs which both parents incubate. The chicks are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching and remaining with their parents until they are ready to fly. In the wild, common sandpipers can live up to 8 years, with some individuals reaching up to 14 years.
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Common sandpiper
In Africa, the common sandpiper is often seen resting on the backs of hippopotamuses. When a predator approaches the sandpiper's nest, it attempts to lure the enemy away by acting as if it has a broken wing.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Genus: Actitis
Species: Hypoleucos
The common sandpiper reaches a length of 7 to 9 1/2 inches (18 to 24 centimeters) and an average weight of 1 2/5 ounces (40 grams). It has a 13 3/4 inch (35 centimeters) wingspan. The bird's plumage, or feathers, are gray-brown above with brown bars. The gray-brown feathering extends out to the wings where white bars are noticeable along the top and rear edge of the wing. The common sandpiper has a long, pointed bill and short legs.
These wading birds spend their days feeding on the edges of freshwater ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams. They prefer a hard, rocky shoreline over a soft stretch of sandy beach but also frequent muddy saltwater swamps and lagoons. The sandpiper dashes along the water's edge, using its long bill to search for insects like earwigs, butterflies, spiders, snails, and worms. The common sandpiper is also found on farms, where it pokes through animal droppings for beetles and fly larvae.
Each year, the common sandpiper flies thousands of miles between the breeding grounds of northern Europe and Asia and its winter home in the southern regions of Africa, India, eastern Asia, and the southern Pacific waters around the island of Australia. Although the sandpiper is solitary most of the year, it joins others in small flocks during migration.
The common sandpiper pairs and mates before and after the spring migration to the breeding grounds. The sandpiper takes part in "flitter flights" which involve aerial displays. The bird takes to the air and engages in a series of maneuvers to attract a mate. Together, a male and female sandpiper establish and defend a small portion of land, or territory. This territory is located along the edge of a freshwater lake or stream.
The nest of the common sandpiper is always built on the ground close to water. The nest is hidden behind a wall of thick vegetation. The nest can range from a rudimentary, or basic, hole in the ground to a more complex and well-built, cup-shaped object lined with grass.
After mating, the average female lays four cream, or pale-green eggs with red-brown speckles. The male and female incubate the eggs for around 21 days. The chicks hatch with a full set of feathers. The parents lead the young away from the nest to an area with food and shelter from predators. The chicks remain close to their parents until they fledge at 22 to 28 days. The male leaves his family when the chicks are 12 days old. The female leaves about two weeks later when the chicks are ready for flight.
Crocodiles, large birds, and foxes prey on common sandpipers. Its life span in the wild is around 8 years, though some may live longer. The highest recorded life span is 14 years.
Bibliography
"Common Sandpiper." The Wildlife Trusts, www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/wading-birds/common-sandpiper. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.
Pines, Ryan. "Actitis Hypoleucos." Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Actitis‗hypoleucos. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.