Watercolor portrait of Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda)

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda
Breeds across the northern Great Plains,… Native tall-grass and mixed-grass prairi… Uncommon Haunting bubbling whistle

Learn to identify the Upland Sandpiper by ear. Master the "quip-quip-qeew-qeew-qeew" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“quip-quip-qeew-qeew-qeew”

What the Upland Sandpiper sounds like

The Upland Sandpiper is a long-legged, long-tailed shorebird that has abandoned the water’s edge for the wide-open spaces of native prairies, pastures, and hayfields. With its small, dove-like head perched on a thin, stretched neck and its habit of perching conspicuously on fence posts, this species looks and acts more like a quirky grassland sentinel than a typical sandpiper.

“quip-quip-qeew-qeew-qeew”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Given mostly by males in flight high over territories; starts with two short notes followed by a long, descending, ethereal whistle that carries across the prairie. Often written as “quip-quip-qeew-qeew-qeew”.
Don't confuse with:The Buff-breasted Sandpiper — smaller overall with shorter tail that does not extend past wing tips

Where you'll hear it

Native tall-grass and mixed-grass prairies, grazed pastures, airfields, hay meadows, and other extensive, open grasslands with scattered perches.

On North American breeding grounds from late April to early September; southbound migration peaks July–September; winters October–March in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil.

Similar species

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Smaller overall with shorter tail that does not extend past wing tips

American Golden-Plover

Noticeably stockier with shorter neck and tail

Whimbrel

Much larger with long decurved bill

Upland Sandpiper song FAQ

What does an Upland Sandpiper sound like?
Given mostly by males in flight high over territories; starts with two short notes followed by a long, descending, ethereal whistle that carries across the prairie. Listen for the "quip-quip-qeew-qeew-qeew" phrase.
How do I tell an Upland Sandpiper from a Buff-breasted Sandpiper by sound?
Buff-breasted Sandpiper: Smaller overall with shorter tail that does not extend past wing tips; Buffy breast lacks strong chevron markings; More crouched posture; seldom perches on fence posts.
When is the best time to hear an Upland Sandpiper?
On North American breeding grounds from late April to early September; southbound migration peaks July–September; winters October–March in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil.