Home › Aves › Scolopacidae › Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
SPECIES PROFILE
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
Actitis
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe, Asia, Africa (migrant)
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Rivers, lakes, coasts
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Charadriiformes
FAMILY
Scolopacidae
GENUS
Actitis
📋 Description
SIZE
19-21 cm body length, wingspan 32-35 cm, 34-60 g
COLORATION
Brown upperparts, white underparts, bobbing tail
ADAPTATIONS
Constant tail-bobbing
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Rivers, lakes, coasts
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe, Asia, Africa (migrant)
REPRODUCTION
4 eggs, 1 brood per year
DIET DETAILS
Insects, small crustaceans
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The Common Sandpiper is a small wader that constantly bobs its tail. It has a distinctive shrill call.
2
It is common along fast-flowing rivers in summer.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
River Otter Devon UK
Norfolk Broads
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Summer
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for small waders bobbing tail on rivers and shores.
