Common Sandpiper

A small, elegant wader found along the stony edges of rivers and lakes. It has grey-brown upperparts and clean white underparts. A distinctive white 'spur' of plumage wraps up around the shoulder. It is a summer migrant across much of Europe. It prefers freshwater habitats over coastal mudflats, though it appears on the coast during migration.

The Common Sandpiper has two very recognizable movements. It constantly 'bobs' its tail while standing. Its flight style consists of stiff, flickering wingbeats followed by short glides close to the water. They are usually solitary or found in pairs. They run along the water's edge to pick up insects. Their call is a high-pitched, piping 'swee-wee-wee'.