Watercolor portrait of Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus)

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus
Breeds in sphagnum bogs and fens across… Favors shallow coastal wetlands—mudflats… Uncommon Flight display song

Learn to identify the Short-billed Dowitcher by ear. Master the "tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu”

What the Short-billed Dowitcher sounds like

The Short-billed Dowitcher is a chunky, medium-sized shorebird distinguished by its straight, tapered bill and rapid, sewing-machine style feeding action. In breeding plumage adults show rich rufous underparts barred with black, while nonbreeding birds are mostly plain gray above with whitish bellies. Three identifiable subspecies differ subtly in size and color, but all share the short neck, hunch-backed stance, and long dark bill that give dowitchers their characteristic look.

“tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Given by males circling high above breeding wetlands; a mellow, repeated series of soft tu notes that accelerates slightly toward the end. Often written as “tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu”.
Don't confuse with:The Long-billed Dowitcher — longer bill (usually > 2× head length)

Where you'll hear it

Favors shallow coastal wetlands—mudflats, tidal creeks, salt-marsh pools, mangrove lagoons—and during migration also uses inland flooded fields, lake edges, and sewage ponds.

Northbound migration peaks April–May; breeding occurs late May–July; southbound migration July–October; birds occupy tropical wintering grounds from August through March.

Similar species

Long-billed Dowitcher

Longer bill (usually > 2× head length)

Stilt Sandpiper

Noticeably longer greenish legs

Wilson’s Snipe

Stockier with much longer bill relative to body

Short-billed Dowitcher song FAQ

What does a Short-billed Dowitcher sound like?
Given by males circling high above breeding wetlands; a mellow, repeated series of soft tu notes that accelerates slightly toward the end. Listen for the "tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu" phrase.
How do I tell a Short-billed Dowitcher from a Long-billed Dowitcher by sound?
Long-billed Dowitcher: Longer bill (usually > 2× head length); Grayer wash on breast in juvenile plumage instead of warm buffy; Gives higher, sharper 'keek' flight call instead of mellow 'tu-tu'.
When is the best time to hear a Short-billed Dowitcher?
Northbound migration peaks April–May; breeding occurs late May–July; southbound migration July–October; birds occupy tropical wintering grounds from August through March.