The Sanderling
Sanderling
Calidris alba L 18. In winter found on sandy
shores, often in single-species flocks. Specialist
in dashing to and fro beneath the large breakers.
Most migrate through western half of Europe
(May, July-Oct), stopping off at favoured localities.
Conspicuously active, constantly darting about.
Slightly bigger and stockier than Dunlin. Winter
plumage extremely pale with dark at bend of
wing. Juvenile also much whiter than other Calidris,
though back vividly marked in black and rusty-yellow.
Small speckled 'neck boa'. Bill straight and
relatively short. Black legs. Appreciably broader
white wingbar than, e.g. Dunlin. Summer plumage
rusty-brown apart from white belly. In May,
however, usually still has pale feather edges,
giving grey and 'untidy' rather than rusty-brown
impression. Call a short 'klit'. WP
An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising birds
is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe,
which is a comprehensive reference guide to Britain
and mainland Europe's plethora of ornithological life.
