Pectoral sandpiper

Scientific name: Calidris melanotos

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Small sandpiper with streaked brown-grey upperparts and white underparts; distinctive buff-washed breast with dark spots extending down flanks. Males noticeably larger than females with more pronounced breast markings.

Size and weight

Males 55–65 g, females 40–55 g; body length 20–23 cm.

Habitat

Breeds on Arctic tundra and subarctic grasslands with sparse vegetation, low shrubs, and wet sedge meadows. Frequents coastal mudflats, salt marshes, and shallow wetlands during migration and wintering.

Distribution

Breeds across Siberian Arctic and northern Alaska; winters in southern South America and coastal Africa. Migrates through most continents via coastal and inland wetlands.

Diet

Primarily small invertebrates—insects, larvae, amphipods, and crustaceans gleaned from mud and wet substrate; also takes small seeds seasonally.

Behaviour

Highly mobile and gregarious, moving rapidly across feeding grounds during migration and winter. Diurnal and crepuscular feeder; males perform aerial displays during breeding season.

Hunting tips

Look for small three-toed tracks in soft mud near tidal flats and shallow water edges. Approach into wind across open mudflats at dawn or dusk when birds are most active. Glass wetlands for small flocks probing methodically; stalking requires low profile and patience near feeding concentrations.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.

Barbados

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.