Features& Description
The Common Sandpiper, Latin for “Actitis hypoleucos”, is an aquatic bird of the limicolous family.
With a wingspan of 60 cm and a weight of 60 g, it is a summer visitor that winters mainly in Africa, but is present on the lake all year round.
It can be recognized by its shape and habits: medium-sized, it appears slightly squat with a short neck and long tail.
It has brown upper wings and a white belly. A clear white “comma” rises from the shoulder, making it easy to recognize among the wide variety of Chevaliers.
Habitat(Biotope)
The Common Sandpiper can be found on gravel and pebble shores of lakes and rivers, with plenty of vegetation.
Lake mudflats and ponds are its favorite spots.
Behavior& habits
The Common Sandpiper often nods at the back of its body when it has just landed or after rapid movements.
It flies close to the surface with a series of nervous wingbeats, interrupted by tiny pauses when the wings are curved downwards.
A solitary bird.
Reproductionand immature
The Common Sandpiper establishes a territory along the water’s edge, which it defends fiercely.
The nest is built on the ground, in the vegetation, and can contain up to 5 eggs.
After 25 days of incubation, the young follow their parents for 3 weeks before becoming independent for the migration.
Cryor Voice
The Common Sandpiper is a loquacious bird, emitting rapid, clear, high-pitched whistles that sound a little like “hii-dii-dii-dii-dii”.
In mating season, it sings at night in sonorous, warbling, rhythmically repeated stanzas.
Le Chevalier Guignette
Spotted Sandpiper
