Surfbird (Calidris virgata)

Identification & Behavior: ~24 cm (9.4 in). The Surfbird in basic plumage is gray with a pale-speckled belly. In alternate plumage is more speckled black and white with a more densely speckled belly. The bill is relatively short, stubby, and orange in the mandible. The legs are yellowish. It uses similar habitat as the Wandering Tattler. Also see Spotted Sandpiper and Ruddy Turnstone.

Status: The Surfbird is a fairly common Boreal Migrant during the months of September through April and rare throughout the rest of the year as some birds overwinter in South America. It is found almost exclusively on the surf of rocky shore along the coast of Peru. It also occurs in  Co, Ec, Br, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Chorlo de las Rompientes.

Sub-species: Surfbird (Aphriza virgata), J. F. Gmelin 1789.

Meaning of Name: Aphriza: Gr. Aphros=sea foam and zoo= to live in. virgata L. virga= striped, streaked.

See more of the Family Scolopacidae