The Terek sandpiper is a small migratory Palearctic wader species and is the only member of the genus Xenus. It is named after the Terek River which flows into the west of the Caspian Sea, as it was first observed around this area.
Region
Palearctic to Afrotropical and Australasian coasts
Typical Environment
Breeds along sandy or gravelly riverbanks and taiga floodplains from Fennoscandia across Siberia to the Russian Far East. During migration and in winter it uses tidal mudflats, sandy spits, mangrove edges, estuaries, and sheltered coastal lagoons from East Africa and the Middle East through South and Southeast Asia to Australia. It also pauses at large inland lakes and river mouths when moving between seasons. Local presence is strongly tied to shallow, gently sloping shores with exposed mud or sand.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Terek sandpiper is the sole member of the genus Xenus and is named after the Terek River in the North Caucasus. It is instantly recognized by its slightly upturned bill and bright orange legs, and by its quick, darting feeding style along shorelines. This species breeds across the northern Palearctic and undertakes long migrations to tropical coasts in the non-breeding season.
Temperament
active and wary
Flight Pattern
strong, fast flight with rapid wingbeats and agile twists low over water
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose pairs or small groups on open gravel bars near northern rivers, nesting in a shallow ground scrape. Both parents typically attend the brood, and chicks are precocial. Outside the breeding season it often forages in small, loose flocks, sometimes mixing with other shorebirds.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Usually quiet; gives sharp, whistled ‘tiri-tiri’ or ‘tsee-ik’ calls, especially in flight. Display calls in the breeding grounds are slightly more musical and repeated, while alarm notes are short and buzzy.
Plumage
Smooth grey to grey-brown upperparts with fine streaking in breeding season, white underparts, and a lightly mottled breast. In non-breeding plumage it appears cleaner grey above with a crisp white belly. The posture is often crouched and active, with frequent quick runs.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small invertebrates, including insects and their larvae, small crustaceans, worms, and occasional mollusks. It uses its slightly upturned bill to probe soft mud and to sweep or pick prey from the surface. Quick dashes and side-to-side bill movements are characteristic, often capturing prey in the swash zone.
Preferred Environment
Shallow edges of tidal flats, sandy or muddy shorelines, and the margins of estuaries and river mouths. During breeding it favors sparsely vegetated gravel bars and sandbanks along wide northern rivers.
