Western SandpiperPhotos, Pictures, Prints

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Calidris mauri

The western sandpiper (Calidris mauri) is a small shorebird. The genus name arises from Ancient Greek kalidris, a term used by Aristotle for some grey-coloured waterside birds. Meanwhile, the term mauri commemorates Italian botanist Ernesto Mauri.

Adults of this species have dark legs and a short, thin, dark bill, which is thinner at the tip. Furthermore, their bodies are brown on top and white underneath. Finally, they display a reddish-brown crown.

Sometimes, this bird can be difficult to distinguish from other similar tiny shorebirds. This is especially true with the semipalmated sandpiper. That’s because during winter plumage both species are plain gray. However, this species acquires winter plumage much earlier in the autumn than does the semipalmated sandpiper.

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