The common sandpiper is a small wading bird which breeds along fast-moving rivers and near lakes, lochs and reservoirs in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Northern England. Wintering birds may be spotted along the south coast, but passage migrants can be seen at the edge of freshwater lakes or on estuaries during spring and autumn. It bobs up and down when standing, known as 'teetering', and has a distinctive, stiff-winged flight.
How to identify
Sandpipers can be a difficult group of birds to get to grips with. Common sandpipers are green-brown above, with a bright white belly. They display a brown rump and strong white wingbars when they fly. They are most similar to wood sandpipers and green sandpipers, but are smaller and shorter-legged than both. Common sandpipers have a short, straight, grey bill and green legs.
Did you know?
The closest relative of the common sandpiper is an American species, the spotted sandpiper, which looks virtually identical except it has thrush-like, black spots on its belly during the summer. The two species are rarely found together, however.
