Western Sandpiper

15-18 cm (6-7") Common in migration along East coast, more abundant along West. Nests on Tundra, winters on coastal beaches, mudflats. Sparrow-sized "peep" sandpiper; sharp-pointed, black bill, usually drooping at tip; black legs.

Summer: reddish-brown shoulders, ear patch and on crown; white, black-streaked underparts.

Winter: grayish above, white below. Very similar Semipalmated Sandpiper has shorter, blunter bill, lower call.

Song: "dzheet".