Wild Wednesday - Common sandpiper
Most of us would think the “sandpiper” gets its name from its long, pointed beak probing in the sand, but the name actually comes from the bird’s voice. This name refers to the birds’ short whistle-like call, however, several sandpipers also ‘sing’. Male birds, looking to attract a female, will sing a dull, trilling whistle that ascends in pitch, which descends to a pure tone, often called a “wolf whistle” that has musical quality, often singing at night. The female sandpiper will sing occasionally.
Sandpipers, scientific name, Actitis hypoleucos, have narrow wings with long bodies and legs. Most species have a narrow bill, but their size can vary.
Classed as small to medium-sized birds, measuring 12 to 66 cm in length. Their grey bills are sensitive, allowing them to feel the mud and sand as they probe for food. They have green, brown plumage above, a bright white belly, a brown rump, white striped wings in flight and green legs.
They eat insects, small fish, crabs, crayfish, small molluscs, earthworms. and other invertebrate (an animal with no backbone).
Breeding along rivers, by lakes and reservoirs, nesting in vegetation by the water side, where, in common with most waders, it lays typically lays four eggs. They live for about twelve years.
Numbers have declined steadily in recent years, for reasons that remain unclear, but may be linked to climate change. Most will migrate to west Africa, but you will spot the odd bird in the UK in winter.
Looking much like a school of fish, flocks of sandpipers are a spectacular sight as they change direction in unison during flight.
Read more here: Common sandpiper | The Wildlife Trusts