Bird species profile
Baird's Sandpiper
Calidris bairdii
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Scolopacidae
About the species
Baird's Sandpiper is a small, slender shorebird recognized by its brownish-gray plumage and long wings that extend beyond its tail. During migration, it is a regular visitor to Patagonian wetlands and coastal areas, often seen in flocks with other sandpipers. Its subtle coloration provides excellent camouflage against mudflats and sandy shores. This species is notable for its incredible migratory journey, covering thousands of kilometers between its Arctic breeding sites and its non-breeding grounds in South America. In Patagonia, it is most commonly observed during the austral spring and summer, when it stops to rest and feed before continuing its journey. Baird's Sandpiper is admired for its endurance and adaptability, thriving in a variety of open wetland habitats.
Habitat
Prefers open mudflats, sandy shores, saline lakes, and wet grasslands throughout Patagonia during migration.
Foraging
Feeds by probing and picking at the surface for insects, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
