Least Sandpiper

LC - Least Concern

N5B, N5N - Secure Breeding and Nonbreeding

SNRM - Unranked Migrant

not listed

Least Sandpiper is a common, small shorebird. It nests in northern Canada and Alaska in mossy or grassy tundra or shrubby bogs, always near water. In the spring it migrates south to the southern United States, Central America, and northern South America. It is a common migrant in Minnesota from mid-April to early June and from early July to October. During migration it is found in marshes and flooded or wet fields, on mudflats and shores of lakes and pools, and occasionally on beaches. It is usually seen in small groups, not large flocks.

Least Sandpiper is the smallest shorebird in North America. Adults are 5⅛″ to 5⅞″ (13 to 15 cm) in length, have a 10⅝″ to 11″ (27 to 28 cm) wingspan, and weigh 0.7 to 1.1 oz (19 to 30 g). Males and females are the same size.

The body is round and relatively short. The wings are short and pointed. The overall coloration is darker than other small shorebirds, a feature that makes identification relatively easy. The upperparts, the back, wings, tail, and the crown of the head, are mottled dark brown and reddish-brown. The underparts are white. The head and nape of the neck are buff brown. The breast is buff brown and prominently streaked. The bill is short, thin, pointed, and slightly curved downward. The legs are moderately short. They are greenish-yellow but often appear dark in low light or when smeared with mud.

Length: 5⅛″ to 5⅞″ (13 to 15 cm)

Wingspan: 10⅝″ to 11″ (27 to 28 cm)

Weight: 0.7 to 1.1 oz (19 to 30 g)

The voice is a high pitched kreee or rolling greeep.

Mid-April to early June and early July to October

Small insects, crustaceans, small mollusks, worms, and occasionally seeds

Common migrant

The Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union All Seasons Species Occurrence Map

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Location: Houston County