Pipe Up for Sandpipers

Pipe Up for Sandpipers

Another popular bird that we love to watch run up and down the beach is the sandpiper. They are so funny with their little legs and high speed running! Let’s learn more about them.

SPOTTED SANDPIPER FUN FACTS:

• These funny little birds have an usual mating style. The females actually establish territory for nests.
• The males incubate the eggs and raise the young. Sometimes females will help.
• Females can actually lay several clutches of eggs in a season- often from different males. Each male that fathered the clutch will rear those chicks.
• Sandpipers are known for their teetering motion. It is not known why they do this.
• These little carnivores eat insects – including flying ones and crustaceans buried in the sand.
• They are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Who knew these little birds have such neat role reversals? Lady sandpipers are pretty cool as are the busy males!