Similar to a dunlin, but in autumn it looks cleaner and paler with a white eyestripe. It has a longer, more down-curved bill than a dunlin and will feed in slightly deeper water. Deep chestnut breeding plumage unmistakable in spring and summer. In flight it shows a bright white rump.
Key ID Features
A little more elegant and elongated than the similar Dunlin.
The darker brown of the summer adult makes the white eye ring more distinctive.
In winter theKey ID Features
A little more elegant and elongated than the similar Dunlin.
The darker red-brown of the summer adult makes the white eye ring more distinctive.
In winter the even, buff scales on the back, the pale stripe over the eye and the white belly below a peachy, buff breast help to separate this from similar waders.
Long black, slightly down curved bill.
White rump and broad white wing bars are visible on the upper wings in flight.
Often associated with Little Stint with which it shares a migration pattern.
Overview
Scientific name: Calidris ferruginea
Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)
Where to see them:
They like saltmarshes with muddy pools and shallow coastal lagoons. Largest numbers along the E England coast in autumn in places like the RSPB's Titchwell Marsh reserve.
Seen in UK:
Mainly seen in August and September.
What they eat
Snails, worms and flies.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here
Location: Keyhaven, Hampshire
Photographer: Tim Tapley
