The least sandpiper is the smallest shorebird. The genus name is from Ancient Greek kalidris or skalidris, a term used by Aristotle for some grey-coloured waterside birds. The specific minutilla is Medieval Latin for "very small".
Region
Americas
Typical Environment
Breeds across boreal and subarctic peatlands and wet tundra from Alaska through much of northern Canada. During migration it uses coastal mudflats, estuaries, flooded fields, and freshwater marsh edges throughout North America. In winter it ranges along coasts and inland wetlands of the southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. Prefers soft, vegetated mud and the margins of shallow wetlands with sparse cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The least sandpiper is the smallest shorebird, often identified by its yellowish-green legs and slightly downcurved bill. It feeds with a rapid, sewing‑machine pecking motion on muddy margins. During migration it forms mixed flocks with other small “peeps,” where its leg color and finer, rufous-edged upperparts help separate it. Despite its size, it undertakes long migrations between North American breeding grounds and tropical wintering areas.
Foraging
Temperament
wary and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with tight, twisting flock maneuvers
Social Behavior
Often forages in small groups and forms large mixed-species flocks during migration and on wintering grounds. Nests on the ground in boggy tundra; both sexes incubate, and the female may depart before the young fledge. Generally monogamous within a season and highly site-faithful to suitable wetlands.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Display song is a thin, trilling series of high notes given from the air or a perch. The common call is a sharp, high 'tseet' or 'cree-eep' used in flight and while foraging.
Plumage
Fine mottled brown upperparts with rufous-edged scapulars and dark centers, white underparts, and a streaked breast that fades into the belly. Feathers appear scaly above due to pale fringes. Juveniles show crisp, bright rufous and buff edging on the back.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small invertebrates including fly and beetle larvae, midges, spiders, amphipods, and other tiny crustaceans. Also takes small worms and occasionally seeds from marsh plants. Probes and picks delicately in soft mud and wet vegetation, often following receding waterlines.
Preferred Environment
Shallow muddy edges of freshwater and brackish wetlands, tidal flats, saltmarsh pannes, and flooded fields. Favors areas with fine sediments and short vegetation that allow easy probing.
