πππ Sanderling (Calidris alba) The Sanderling is a small, plump member of the Sandpiper family. In winter, it's very pale grey above and white below with a dark shoulder patch; breeding plumage adds brick-red. It breeds in the High Arctic tundra but migrates globally, wintering on sandy beaches of every continent except Antarctica. Its characteristic behaviour is running back and forth with the waves on the shoreline ("wave-chasing") to probe for small invertebrates. Two subspecies are recognised. 2.5 Flash (Edited) Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1) Fun fact: The Sanderling is the only sandpiper that lacks a hind toe. This unique anatomical feature is believed to help them run more quickly and efficiently across soft, sandy surfaces. π·: Photo by JacekBen via Pixabay https://pixabay.com/photos/sanderling-bird-beach-north-sea-4359720/ IXCS
πππ Sanderling (Calidris alba) #CosmopolitanBirds #EurasianBirds #AfricanBirds #AustralasianBirds #NorthAmericanBirds #SouthAmericanBirds | #Sanderling #CalidrisAlba | #Sanderlings #Sandpipers #SandpiperFamily #Shorebirds #Waders π·: Photo by JacekBenπ¦ #MyBirdcards | #birdsoftheworld #birds β€οΈπ¦