Birds · Charadriiformes · Scolopacidae
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucos
Least Concern
The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk.
The common sandpiper is a small, unobtrusive wader of river banks, brown above and white below, with a characteristic white wedge between the breast and the wing. Its most recognisable feature is the constant bobbing of its rear end as it walks. It flies close to the water with stiff, shallow wingbeats, alternating glides with the wings bowed downwards.
Weight
33 g – 84 g
Size
18 cm – 21 cm
Life expectancy
12 years
