photo by Phil Swanson

Calidris bairdii
L 7 1/2″ (19 cm).

Song or calls:
Sharp, low-pitched “kreep.” 

Description: Sexes similar.
Wing tips extend beyond tip of tail. Breeding plumage is buffy brown above and mottled with black; buff-brown across breast with light streaking. White belly, dark legs, long straight dark bill.  Juvenile similar to adult but feathers on back have white edging.

Habitat: Migrants can be found on mud flats, shallow ponds, and sand bars. Will also utilize drier areas such as overgrazed pastures.

Where in Nebraska: Common spring and fall migrant across the state. More common in western Nebraska. The most abundant of the “peeps” in Nebraska.

Fun Facts: Baird’s Sandpiper female lays a clutch of up to 5 eggs, totaling 120% of her body mass just after having traveled to the breeding grounds in Northern Canada with almost no stored fat.

 
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