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Sandpiper (Least)

Calidris minutilla

Range

They are found from the middle states (Oregon and New Jersey) south to the upper quarter of South America and breed in summer throughout Alaska and across Canada to the Eastern coast.

Habitat

They are found in salt marshes and on mudflats and the muddy shores of fresh waterways (rivers, lakes, and estuaries).

Body Traits

They are smallest (5″ long) shorebird with a short neck and a medium, long, dark beak. They have medium, long yellowish legs. Their backs are reddish brown with darker brown spotting.They have a lighter eyebrow. Chest has a brown band.

Habits

They search for food up higher along the drier margin of mudflats than other sandpipers.

Diet

They eat small creatures like crabs, snails, and insects (invertebrates).

Reproduction

They nest on the ground (tundra). The female lays up to 4 eggs.

Classification

Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Genus: Calidris
Species: C. minutilla

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