Sandpiper Like

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularia
Spotted Sandpiper thumbnail
Length: 8 in. (19 cm )
This sandpiper continually bounces up and down on its legs as it runs along the waterline of lakes, ponds, marshes, streams and rivers from sea level to alpine mountain meadows. It is usually by itself or in pairs and characteristically flies on stiff wings with fluttering, shallow beats. The distinct spotting on the breast of both males and females is present only during the breeding season. They eat worms, fish, shrimp, and dead carrion, but they also can catch large flying insects. The nest is made of moss and grass and placed away from the water\'s edge among rocks or dead logs. Females mate with up to five males at a time, and the males care for the eggs and young.

The four-digit banding code is SPSA.


Marsh / swamp

Mudflat

Riparian / River forest
Sonogram Large:
There are no sonograms saved for this bird.
Sonogram Zoom:
There are no sonograms saved for this bird.

View Citation

You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."

Bibliographic details:

  • Article: Spotted Sandpiper
  • Author(s): Dr. Biology
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: July 13, 2017
  • Date accessed: March 7, 2024
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/spotted-sandpiper

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (2017, July 13). Spotted Sandpiper. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved March 7, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/spotted-sandpiper

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "Spotted Sandpiper". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 July, 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/spotted-sandpiper

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Spotted Sandpiper". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 7 Mar 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/spotted-sandpiper

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
Brain illustration showing activity in lit regions
Do I only use 10% of my brain?

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon  Contribute

 

Share to Google Classroom