Spotted Sandpiper
(Actitis macularia) M, B |
 |
RANGE: Breeds from central Alaska and central
Yukon to Labrador and Newfoundland, south to southern Alaska,
southern California, and central Arizona across to the northern
portions of the Gulf States, North Carolina, Virginia, and
eastern Maryland. Occasionally nonbreeding birds remain on the
wintering ground in summer. Winters from southwestern British
Columbia, southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, southern Texas,
the southern portions of the Gulf States and coastal South
Carolina south to South America.
STATUS: Common.
HABITAT: Inhabits the edges of ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams
and open terrain with temporary pools, up to 14,000 feet
elevation. It is sometimes found far from water in dry fields,
pastures, and weedy shoulders of roads, occasionally on coastal
beaches and dunes. Roosts on stumps, stranded logs, or rocks
affording a clear view. In winter, frequents watercourses shaded
by trees, and prefers shallow, muddy lagoons, creeks, canals,
and higher mudflats.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Margins of freshwater bodies.
Strongest breeding habitat association in Wet Montane
Meadow and Lake or Pond Shoreline and Islands
NEST: Builds solitary or loosely colonial nests on the ground,
among thick, tall grasses, occasionally under a bush or log, and
usually near water.
FOOD: Forages ashore or in shallow water, picking up insects and
other small invertebrates. Eats fly larvae, pupae, and adults;
mayflies; grasshoppers; crickets; mole crickets; worms;
mollusks; crustaceans; and spiders.
REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, Cramp and Simmons 1983, DeGraff
et al. 1980, Knowles 1942, Miller 1999, Palmer 1967, Shunk 2004. |
