Family: Scolopacidae, Sandpipers view all from this family
Description ADULT In summer plumage, has beautifully patterned
brown, black, and white feather markings on back and upper
wings. Head, neck, and breast are streaked with brown, and
underparts are mainly white, but with brown spots and barring on
flanks. Bill is usually all-dark. In winter, looks more pale
with gray-brown overall feathers on back, and upper wings marked
with marginal white spots and scallops. Bill is pale at base.
JUVENILE Similar to winter adult, but feathers on back have
buffy marginal spots and breast has obvious dark streaking. Bill
is paler at base. Dimensions Length: 14" (36 cm) Habitat
Widespread and common breeding species in open, boggy, boreal
forests. Long-distance migrant that winters from southern U.S.
to South America. Usually found on coast (mudflats and lagoons)
outside breeding season but, during migration, sometimes stages
on lakes. Observation Tips Distant birds can sometimes be
identified with reasonable certainty b