Birds · Charadriiformes · Scolopacidae

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

Near Threatened

It could become endangered in the near future if current threats go unchecked. See full glossary

The semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla, is a very small wader of the family Scolopacidae. It is sometimes separated along with other small sandpipers into Erolia, but although that group appears to be monophyletic, this species' older generic name Ereunetes was proposed before Erolia.

Weight

20 g – 40 g

Size

13 cm – 15 cm

Lifespan

12 years

Diet

Insectivore

Feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Sighting difficulty

Moderate

TundraOceanFreshwaterInsectivore Diurnal Variable activity Near Threatened Bird Tundra Ocean Freshwater

10countries 26parks13same family

Fun facts

In the Bay of Fundy it doubles its weight in two weeks feeding on a single tiny mud-dwelling crustacean, and on that fat it undertakes a non-stop flight of more than four thousand kilometres over the Atlantic to South America.
Its migrating flocks wheel in unison, flashing alternately their dark backs and pale bellies, a synchronised shimmer of tens of thousands of birds that disorientates peregrine falcons.
Its population has fallen markedly over recent decades, and much of the decline is put down to the degradation of the few stopover wetlands along its route.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Arctic tundra for breeding; marshes, mudflats and saltpans of South America for wintering
Sexual maturity: 12 months
Gestation / incubation: 20 days
Litter / clutch size: 4

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calidris_pusilla