North American field guide
Spotted Sandpiper
Actitis macularia
Identification
Field notes
18-20 cm (7-8") Common and widespread. Small lakes, rivers, streams, shores, beaches.
Small, sparrow-sized shorebird. Constantly teeters up and down. Circles out over water on stiff wings. Mostly solitary.
Summer: barred, olive-brown upperparts, dark spots on white underparts; dark eyeline and white eyebrow; orange-pink bill.
Winter: plain grayish above, pure white below; dark bill.
Song: "shrill "pee-weet" call; whistled "wheet" in flight.
Details in the field
Photo gallery
Watch and learn
Videos
Spotted Sandpiper and first chick.MP4
Credit: Waldemar Sikorskispotted sandpiper
Credit: banffwegoSpotted Sandpiper - Actitis macularia
Credit: StephenramirezzzWhere it lives
Distribution maps
Source legend · original intervals
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Unshaded in source · does not imply absence
Generic and winter maps may use different intervals.