Sanderling (Calidris alba)

Taxonomy:

• Order: Shorebirds (Charadriiformes)
• Family: Sandpipers (Scolopacidae)
• Genus: Calidris
• Species: Calidris alba

Description:

The Sanderling (Calidris alba) is a small shorebird easily recognized by its bright white winter plumage and its fast, darting movements along beaches. In summer, it adopts a more patterned plumage with brown, black, and white markings. It belongs to the sandpiper family and is found worldwide, especially along coastlines.

Distribution and Habitat:

Sanderlings breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate to coastal areas worldwide for the winter, ranging from North and South America to Europe, Africa, and Australia. They prefer sandy beaches where they forage in the surf zone for small crustaceans and invertebrates.

Behavior and Diet:

These birds are known for their rapid back-and-forth movements in the surf as they feed. Their diet primarily consists of small crustaceans, mollusks, and worms.

Special Features:

• No hind toe, which helps in rapid running.
• High mobility – some individuals migrate up to 10,000 km.
• Adaptable to various coastal ecosystems.