The white-rumped sandpiper is a small migratory shorebird that breeds in the northern tundra of Canada and Alaska. This bird can be difficult to distinguish from other similar tiny shorebirds; these are known collectively as "peeps" or "stints".
Region
The Americas
Typical Environment
Breeds on low Arctic tundra, mainly in northern Canada with a small presence in Alaska, favoring wet sedge meadows and areas near freshwater pools. During migration it occurs widely across eastern and central North America and along Atlantic coasts, using mudflats, beaches, estuaries, and flooded fields. It winters primarily in southern South America, including coastal Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, and also uses inland pampas and lagoon margins. Stopover habitats include shorelines of lakes and reservoirs, river deltas, and saltmarsh edges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This long‑distance migrant breeds in the low Arctic and winters in southern South America, completing one of the longest migrations of any small shorebird. Its bright white rump, most obvious in flight, is a key field mark that separates it from similar “peeps.” It often undertakes long overwater flights and forms sizable mixed flocks on migration and wintering grounds.
Cryptic coloration aids in camouflage
Wing raising display
Eggs in a nest
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats; long, direct flights; flocks wheel and flash white rumps
Social Behavior
Often forages in loose to large flocks during migration and on wintering grounds, sometimes mixing with other small sandpipers. On the breeding grounds it nests on the ground in a shallow, lined scrape, typically laying 3–4 eggs. Chicks are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching, attended by adults.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet away from breeding sites, giving sharp, dry trills and tsip notes in flight. On the tundra, males produce simple trills and repeated notes during aerial displays.
