Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

The Spotted Sandpiper is a small shorebird with a distinctive spotted plumage. During breeding season, it displays a bold black-and-white pattern on its back and wings. This species is known for its unique courtship behavior where the female takes the lead and defends the territory while the male incubates the eggs and cares for the young. Spotted Sandpipers can be found along the edges of freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as coastal shorelines. They forage for insects, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates by bobbing their tail up and down as they walk along the water's edge. This species is widespread and adaptable, often nesting in a variety of habitats including gravel bars, rocky shorelines, and even rooftops.

Habitat: Freshwater lakes, rivers, streams, coastal shorelines