Sanderling
Where to Look
- Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz
- Gardener Bay, Espanola
- Other sandy beaches
Similar Galapagos Species
Least Sandpiper
Identification
Black bill and legs and light grey appearance are diagnostic.
Description
A small, pale wader with light grey upperparts with a variable dark shoulder patch (all but absent in some individuals) and white underparts during the non-breeding season. Bill, legs and feet are black. Sexes alike
Galapagos Distribution
Found throughout the archipelago on islands with sandy beaches.
Global Distribution
Breeds in the high arctic and overwinters along most of the world’s shorelines.
Status in the Galapagos
Common migrant present year round, but most common between September and April.