The wood sandpiper is a small wader belonging to the sandpiper family Scolopacidae. A Eurasian species, it is the smallest of the shanks, a genus of mid-sized, long-legged waders that largely inhabit freshwater and wetland environments, as opposed to the maritime or coastal habitats of other, similar species.
Region
Eurasia and sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Breeds in the boreal belt from Scandinavia across northern Russia, using boggy fens, peatlands, and forest-edge wetlands. During migration and in winter it occupies shallow freshwater habitats including marshes, floodplains, rice fields, and sewage lagoons. It is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and is a regular non-breeding visitor to parts of Southeast Asia and Australia. Prefers quiet, vegetated margins and muddy edges rather than open surf beaches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The wood sandpiper is the smallest of the Tringa shanks and favors freshwater wetlands over coastal shores. It breeds across the boreal zone of northern Eurasia and winters widely in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia, with regular visits to Australasia. Its crisp white supercilium and finely speckled upperparts help separate it from similar small waders. On passage it readily uses rice paddies, sewage ponds, and flooded fields.
Temperament
wary but often approachable at wetlands
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, direct flight
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in small loose groups, especially during migration and at rich feeding sites. Ground-nesting on dry hummocks or tussocks near water, with a shallow scrape lined with vegetation. Pairs are seasonally monogamous and defend small territories on breeding grounds.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
The call is a sharp, ringing three-note whistle, often rendered as 'chiff-iff-iff' or 'chu-it chu-it'. Display flight includes a series of clear, piping notes. Vocalizations are frequent in flight, especially during migration.
