Spoon-billed Sandpiper

Calidris pygmaea

The Spoon-billed Sandpiper is a small wader known for its unique spoon-shaped bill. This critically endangered species breeds in northeastern Russia and migrates to Southeast Asia for the winter. It frequents coastal mudflats, salt marshes, and shallow wetlands where it forages for small invertebrates. The population of Spoon-billed Sandpipers has declined rapidly due to habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting its breeding grounds and key stopover sites along its migratory route.

Habitat: Coastal mudflats, salt marshes, shallow wetlands