Key information
The sanderling is a small, plump, energetic wading bird. It has a short straight black bill and medium length black legs. It is pale grey above and white underneath, and there is a black mark at its shoulder where the folded wing meets the body. It does not breed in the UK, but is a winter visitor and passage migrant in spring and autumn, journeying to and from their high Arctic breeding grounds.
What they eat:
Small marine worms, crustaceans and molluscs.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 20-21cm
- Wingspan:
- 36-39cm
- Weight:
- 50-60g
Population:
- UK wintering:
- 16,000 individuals
- UK passage:
- 40,000 individuals
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Sanderling (summer plumage)
Sanderling (winter plumage)
