Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

Long-distance migrant: Arctic North Amer… Breeds in wet, grassy Arctic tundra with… Uncommon Display Hoot

Learn to identify the Pectoral Sandpiper by ear. Master the "low-pitched ‘whooo, whooo, whooo…’" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“low-pitched ‘whooo, whooo, whooo…’”

What the Pectoral Sandpiper sounds like

Medium-sized, strongly patterned shorebird notable for its heavily streaked breast that ends abruptly in a sharp boundary against a clean white belly, creating the impression of a “pectoral” band. Long-distance migrant that breeds on Arctic tundra and spends the non-breeding season as far south as Tierra del Fuego.

“low-pitched ‘whooo, whooo, whooo…’”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Given only by males in flight display over tundra; a series of bass hoots produced by inflating an internal esophageal air sac. Often written as “low-pitched ‘whooo, whooo, whooo…’”.

Don't confuse with:The Sharp-tailed Sandpiper — rustier cap with distinct white supercilium

Where you'll hear it

Breeds in wet, grassy Arctic tundra with sedges and moss hummocks; on migration uses freshwater marshes, flooded fields, sod farms, coastal lagoons, and the muddy margins of ponds and lakes.

Breeds June–August; southbound migration July–October; on wintering grounds September–April; northbound migration March–June.

Similar species

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

Rustier cap with distinct white supercilium

Least Sandpiper

Much smaller with shorter neck

White-rumped Sandpiper

Unstreaked grayish breast

Pectoral Sandpiper song FAQ

What does a Pectoral Sandpiper sound like?

Given only by males in flight display over tundra; a series of bass hoots produced by inflating an internal esophageal air sac. Listen for the "low-pitched ‘whooo, whooo, whooo…’" phrase.

How do I tell a Pectoral Sandpiper from a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper by sound?

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper: Rustier cap with distinct white supercilium; Fine streaks extend onto flanks, not a sharp cut-off; Usually found in western North America.

When is the best time to hear a Pectoral Sandpiper?

Breeds June–August; southbound migration July–October; on wintering grounds September–April; northbound migration March–June.