Sanderling is a circumpolar Arctic breeder, breeding in the high Arctic, in Greenland, parts of Siberia, and on the northen islands of Canada. They winter on coasts of both hemispheres and are rare annual visitors to New Zealand.
Sanderling usually feed on sandy open beaches close to the tideline, dashing in and out of the waveline. They move their legs so fast they have been likened to clockwork toys.
Other common names: —
Crocethia alba, Erolia alba, Arena calidris, Arenaria leucophoea
Description: —
Native bird
20 cm., 50 g., non breeding plumage pale grey above and white below, looks like an oversized stint with broad white wing stripe, white edged back feathers, longer bill.
Where to find: —
Rare arctic migrant, may be found on sandy beaches and estuaries.
Youtube video —
Illustration description: —
Gould, John, Birds of Great Britain, 1862-73.
Mathews, Gregory, The Birds of Australia 1910-28.
Reference(s): —
Heather, B., & Robertson, H., Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand, 2000.
Readers Digest Complete Book of NZ Birds, 1985.
Page date & version: —
Wednesday, 4 June 2014; ver2009v1