Solitary Sandpiper

• Size: 7.5-9.1" long // 21.6-22.4" wingspan
• Diet: insects, crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, and other prey by walking along muddy shores or in shallow water
• Seasonal Habits: Migrate in winter
• Temperament: Not Aggressive

The natty Solitary Sandpiper, with its olive-gray wings, black-and-white tail, and bold eye ring, is a distinctive exception among the many lookalike sandpipers. It's helpful habit of bobbing the back half of its body or trembling its tail (and often feet) while foraging make it instantly recognizable. In flight, look for blackish underwings against a white belly, a pattern unique among North American shorebirds. As the name suggests, this species is normally seen singly. On migration, it turns up very widely, even in very small or temporary wetlands.