The purple sandpiper is a medium-sized wading birds that is larger, stockier and darker than a dunlin. It is mainly dark grey above and whitish below. It has a downcurved beak and short bright orange legs. In flight it shows a thin white wing-stripe. A couple of pairs nest in Scotland, but this species is mainly a winter visitor to almost any rocky coast in the UK. Most are found in Orkney, Shetland and along the east coast of Scotland and northern England - it is scarce south of Yorkshire, other than Devon and Cornwall. The breeding areas in Scotland are kept secret to protect the birds from egg thieves and disturbance.
Key ID Features
Location key factor as invariably seen near edge of surf searching through wave-washed, seaweed covered rocks for food. Rare inland.
An all over dark looking, small wader with grey to brown scaly, white edged feathers.
A pale belly with darkly streaked flanks sits over orange-yellow legs, duller yellow in summer.
Dark, slightly curved bill has a dull yellow base in winter.
Overview
Scientific name: Calidris maritima
Family: Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)
Where to see them:
Around the coast, particularly on the east coast north of the Humber. A good place to look can be around piers and groynes, and also on stony beaches and mussel beds at low tide.
Seen in UK:
Winter- August to May
What they eat
Winkles, insects, spiders, crustaceans, and plants.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here
Location: Constantine Bay, Cornwall
Photographer: Tim Tapley
