The common sandpiper is a small wader bird that migrates through Uganda during its annual cycle. The common sandpiper breeds across most of temperate and subtropical Europe and Asia, and migrates to Africa, southern Asia and Australia in winter. The eastern edge of its migration route passes by Palau in Micronesia, where hundreds of birds may gather for a stop-over. They depart the Palau region for their breeding quarters around the last week of April to the first week of May.
The adult is 18–20 cm (7.1–7.9 in) long with a 32–35 cm (13–14 in) wingspan. It has grayish-brown upperparts, white underparts, short dark-yellowish legs and feet, and a bill with a pale base and dark tip. In winter plumage, they are duller and have more conspicuous barring on the wings, though this is still only visible at close range. Juveniles are more heavily barred above and have buff edges to the wing feathers.
Often referred to as common sandpipers, can be found throughout the world from Western Europe, eastward across Asia to Japan, extending south to Africa and Australia. During the spring and summer when it is breeding season, they are typically found in the northern hemisphere ranging from the Atlantic Ocean to Japan, usually in temperate climates. Common sandpipers are migratory birds that overwinter in warmer climates throughout the Old World, specifically Africa, southern Asia, and Australia.
The Common Sandpiper hunts by day, eating small mollusks, terrestrial and aquatic insects. It is a very active bird and will follow its prey over rocks and has also been known to swim under water.
With their richly spotted breeding plumage, teetering gait, stuttering wing beats, and showy courtship dances, this bird is among the most notable and memorable shorebirds in North America.
The name “sandpiper” actually comes from the bird’s voices rather than from their long-billed probing I the sand. While the name refers in particular to the birds’ short “piped” or whistled calls, a number of sandpipers are also superior, and surprising, singers.
Spotted sandpipers are territorial. During the breeding season, males defend a smaller territory within their female mate’s territory. Spotted sandpipers defend their territories aggressively. They fight by pecking at the head and eyes of an intruder and their legs, wings and bills to fight.
The percentage of Spotted Sandpipers breeding in the year following hatching varies widely, but years of low productivity are apparently easily balanced by the high reproductive potential in favorable years. The maximum documented lifespan is 12 years.
