Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla)

Order: Charadriiformes | Family: Scolopacidae | IUCN Status: Least Concern

least_sandpiper
Age: Adult, basic plumage | Sex: Unknown | Loc. Villa Marshes, Lima

least_sandpiper
Age: Adult, basic plumage | Sex: Unknown | Loc. North America

least_sandpiper
Age: Adult, basic plumage | Sex: Unknown | Loc. North America

least_sandpiper
Age: Adult, basic plumage | Sex: Unknown | Loc. North America

Identification & Behavior: ~14 cm (5.5 in). The Least Sandpiper in basic plumage is brownish with a white belly. In alternate plumage is warmer brown. The legs are yellow and the bill is thin and slightly dropped. It favors mudflats and other habitats near water.  It is similar to the Western Sandpiper and the Semipalmated Sandpiper but is distinguished by its yellow legs, browner breast and neck, and smaller size.

Status: The Least Sandpiper is a common Boreal migrant to the coast of Peru during the months of September through April. Some individuals overwinter in South America. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, Bo, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Playerito Menudo.

Sub-species: Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla), Vieillot 1819.

Meaning of Name: Calidris: Gr. kalidris, skalidris= shorebird the color of ash mentioned by Aristotle. minutilla: L. minutellus, minutalis= very small, insignificant.

See more of the Family Scolopacidae   peru aves

Distribution Map
least sandpiperVoice

References:

    • Species range based on: Schulenberg, T. S., D. F. Stotz, and L. Rico. 2006. Distribution maps of the birds of Peru, version 1.0. Environment, Culture & Conservation (ECCo). The Field Museum.  http://fm2.fieldmuseum.org/uw_test/birdsofperu on 01/01/2015.