The short-billed dowitcher, like its congener, the long-billed dowitcher, is a medium-sized, stocky, long-billed shorebird in the family Scolopacidae.
Region
Americas
Typical Environment
Breeds in boreal wetlands from central and western Canada into southern coastal Alaska, favoring peat bogs, muskeg, and sedge meadows with shallow pools. During migration it uses freshwater marshes, flooded fields, lakeshores, and tidal flats. In winter it is common along Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, as well as Pacific coasts. It prefers soft substrates for probing and often gathers in mixed shorebird flocks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The short-billed dowitcher is a medium-sized, stocky shorebird whose bill length overlaps with the long-billed dowitcher, making voice and plumage details important for identification. It forages with a rapid 'sewing-machine' probing motion in soft mud. Three subspecies vary in color and range, with hendersoni showing especially rich rufous underparts in breeding. It breeds in boreal bogs and winters widely along coasts and estuaries of the Americas.
A Short-billed Dowitcher bathing in the Delaware Bay.
Adult in foreground, red knot in background
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms dense flocks on migration and in winter, frequently mixing with other shorebirds. Nests on the ground near water in boreal bogs; typical clutch is four eggs. The male commonly tends the downy young after hatching while the female departs early.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include mellow, rolling tu-tu-tu or kew calls, especially in flight, softer and more musical than the long-billed dowitcher’s sharp keek. Display songs are subdued trills and whistles given over breeding grounds.
