Sanderling
Learn to identify the Sanderling by ear. Master the "prrrp-prrrp-prrrp" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the Sanderling sounds like
The Sanderling is a small, energetic sandpiper famous for its habit of chasing waves up and down sandy beaches. In non-breeding plumage it looks almost snow-white, earning its Latin name alba. During the brief Arctic summer it molts into a warm rusty plumage for nesting on the high tundra.
“prrrp-prrrp-prrrp”
How to tell it apart
Lessons featuring the Sanderling
Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Sanderling's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.
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Where you'll hear it
Open sandy ocean beaches, tidal flats, and occasionally inland lakeshores during migration. Nests on dry, sparsely vegetated Arctic tundra ridges near ponds.
Breeding: late May–July in the Arctic; southbound migration July–November; wintering November–March; northbound migration March–June.
Similar species
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Smaller bill, partial webbing between toes (not visible in field), darker cap, and shows stronger breast streaking in fall.
Dunlin
Slightly larger, drooping bill tip, has a distinctive black belly patch in breeding plumage.
Red Knot
Much larger, thicker bill, rich brick-red underparts in breeding season, steadier feeding gait rather than rapid sprinting.