Spotted Sandpipers are the most widespread breeding sandpiper in North America. They nest from northern Alaska across most of North America through the southern United States. They winter from the southern United States south into most of South America. I have seen them regularly at the pond at Riverwalk, at Devine Lake in Leander, and in other farm ponds in Williamson County.
The spots are only seen during the summer breeding season. During the fall and winter it is harder to identify because the spots disappear. During breeding plumage, the back is dark brown with a bill that is bright orange with a dark tip. In the winter, the back is gray brown and the bill is also brown or gray. In both plumages, there is a little white area on the body that curves around the front of the wing. It is a medium sized shorebird with a rounded breast and a long tail. In their standard posture, they appear to be leaning forward. As they walk along the shore foraging for food, they bob their tails up and down continually. This unique behavior makes them easy to identify even when the spots are not visible. In flight, there is a thin white strip running the length of the wing. Their call is a continuous “Peet-weet” that sounds a lot like gulls.
Females arrive at the breeding grounds first to establish and defend the territory. Nest building is an important component of courtship. Several nests may be started, but only one nest is finished when courtship is over. Nests are simple two to three inch depressions scraped in the soil and lined with dead grass and woody material. Either the male or female make the choice for the nest site. The nests are always near the edge of water and are usually placed in the shade of a broad-leafed plant. In areas with many predators, nests may be under thicker vegetation such as raspberries or nettles. The female often starts the nest and the male finishes it.
During the nesting season, spotted sandpipers have two strategies. Polyandry occurs when one female mates with up to four males, creating multiple clutches. The males incubate the eggs cares for his clutch of chicks. However, in other areas, the pairs are monogamous and the female helps a little caring for the chicks. Three to five eggs are laid and the couple may have one to five broods per season. The eggs are incubated for 19-22 days. Chicks are precocious, covered with down, eyes are open and they quickly begin eating and walking. Chicks begin to the tail tipping (teetering) soon after hat
Diet is small invertebrates such as midges, mayflies, aquatic larvae, grasshoppers, beetles, worms, fish, snails and small crustaceans. They forage actively probing into sand and mud with their bills. They may lunge at moving prey, peck insects off plants and snap at prey in the air.
Registration continues for the Fall Training Class. Class start August 26th. Tell your friends!
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