The Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) is a medium-sized shorebird that is native to North America. It measures between 11 and 12 inches in length and has a wingspan of 21 to 24 inches. This sandpiper weighs between 5 and 9 ounces. Males and females are similar in appearance.
The Upland Sandpiper is easily recognized by its long neck, small head, and thin, pointed bill. It has a brownish-gray back with a streaked appearance, while the breast and belly are white. The wings are long and pointed with a distinctive white patch near the tips. During flight, the Upland Sandpiper is often mistaken for a dove because of its similar shape and wingbeat.
This bird is a long-distance migrant, spending the breeding season in grasslands throughout North America and wintering in South America. It breeds in the central and northern United States and parts of Canada, including the Great Plains, and moves southward in the fall. The Upland Sandpiper is one of the last shorebirds to arrive in its breeding grounds, with males returning in late April or early May.
During the breeding season, the Upland Sandpiper is primarily found in grasslands, pastures, and fields. It feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates found in the grass. Outside of the breeding season, it can be found in a variety of habitats, including agricultural fields, pastures, and coastal marshes.
The Upland Sandpiper is considered a threatened species in some parts of its range due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by agricultural development. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving and restoring grassland habitats and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Birders and other wildlife enthusiasts can help by supporting these efforts and reporting sightings of Upland Sandpipers to local conservation organizations.
is a black, brown, and white mottled bird with a long neck and tail and yellow legs. It has a round head with large, black eyes, and a relatively short bill for a sandpiper. In flight, it shows a pale inner wing, dark outer wing, and white outer primary shaft.