The upland sandpiper is a large sandpiper, closely related to the curlews. Older names are the upland plover and Bartram's sandpiper. In Louisiana, it is also colloquially known as the papabotte. It is the sole extant member of the genus Bartramia. The genus name and the old common name Bartram's sandpiper commemorate the American naturalist William Bartram. The species name longicauda is from Latin longus, "long" and caudus, "tail". The name "Bartram's sandpiper" was made popular by Alexander Wilson, who was taught ornithology and natural history illustration by Bartram.
Region
North American prairies (breeding) and Southern South American pampas (nonbreeding)
Typical Environment
Breeds across the north-central United States and southern Canada, especially in the tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies of the Great Plains, and locally in the Northeast. Uses open, grassy habitats such as native prairie, lightly grazed pastures, hayfields, airfields, and reclaimed grasslands, typically avoiding wetlands. During migration it frequents grasslands, stubble fields, and dry agricultural areas. In winter it occurs in the pampas and campos of Argentina, Uruguay, and surrounding regions, favoring extensive open rangelands.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite being a shorebird, the upland sandpiper is most at home in dry grasslands, pastures, and prairies. It often perches on fence posts and sings a distinctive, ethereal 'wolf-whistle' that carries over open country. It is the sole extant member of the genus Bartramia, commemorating naturalist William Bartram. Populations have declined where native prairie has been lost, but the species adapts to some agricultural landscapes.
From Naumann
Bartramia longicauda - MHNT
Temperament
alert and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, shallow wingbeats; buoyant display flights
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in loose groups outside the breeding season. Pairs form on the breeding grounds and nest on the ground in dense grass, often in loose colonies where habitat is abundant. Both sexes defend territories, and adults may perform distraction displays to draw predators away from the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a long, wavering, fluty whistle that ascends and then fades, often delivered in flight over open grasslands. Calls include sharp kip notes and bubbling phrases during display flights.
