The stilt sandpiper is a small shorebird. The scientific name is from Ancient Greek; the genus name kalidris or skalidris is a term used by Aristotle for a gray-colored waterside bird. The specific himantopus means "strap foot" or "thong foot", and also refers to the stilt.
Region
Americas
Typical Environment
Breeds on low Arctic tundra near ponds and wet sedge meadows across northern Canada and Alaska. During migration it uses freshwater marshes, prairie potholes, flooded fields, and coastal or inland mudflats. In winter it favors shallow lagoons, brackish estuaries, and inland wetlands in the Caribbean, northern South America, and occasionally Central America. It often wades in slightly deeper water than many small sandpipers and tolerates both fresh and saline habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A long-distance migrant, the stilt sandpiper breeds in the low Arctic and winters mostly in northern South America and the Caribbean. It often feeds belly-deep in water, recalling yellowlegs, but shows a slightly downcurved bill and longer legs than most Calidris sandpipers. In breeding plumage it has boldly barred underparts and a rufous-tinged cap; in nonbreeding it appears plain gray above and white below. It frequently forages with a rapid 'sewing-machine' probing action similar to dowitchers.
Stilt sandpiper in Quintana, Texas
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms flocks during migration and on wintering grounds, sometimes mixed with other shorebirds such as yellowlegs and dowitchers. Nests are ground scrapes on dry hummocks near water, typically in dispersed territories on tundra. Pairs are generally monogamous for the season, with both sexes involved in incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Mostly quiet away from breeding areas, giving soft, rolling trills and sharp kek or prrt flight calls. On the breeding grounds males perform display flights with a rippling, accelerating trill.
