The wood sandpiper is a medium-sized wading bird, with a fine straight bill, yellowish legs and a conspicuous long white stripe from the bill over the eye to the back of the neck. In flight, it shows no wing-stripes and a square white rump. A passage migrant in spring and autumn, breeding in Northern Europe and wintering in Africa; a few pairs breed in the Scottish Highlands. The flooding of some previously drained traditional marshes in Scotland may help this species in future.
Key ID Features
Longer legged and more slender than other sandpipers.
Normally seen on fresh water.
Brown back and cap with creamy white spots and a pale, streaked breast over a white underside and long yellowish legs.
A straight, dark tipped bill leads to a dark eye over which there is a long, pale stripe.
Overview
Scientific name: Tringa glareola
Family: Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)
Where to see them:
Passage birds most commonly appear in southern and eastern England - a good place to look for them in spring and autumn is at RSPB coastal reserves in these areas.
Seen in UK:
Late April to September.
What they eat
Insects, worms, spiders, shellfish and small fish.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here
Location: Northumberland
Photographer: Tim Tapley
