Local - Spotted Sandpiper - Actitis macularia

There are about 18 species in the group of Tringine Sandpipers. Here in California the ones we see most commonly are the Willet, Greater Yellowlegs and the Spotted Sandpiper, Actitis macularia. Lesser Yellowlegs seen mostly during migration.

The Spotted Sandpiper seen here is in winter (basic) plumage, lacking spots on the breast and underparts. In April it will develop the spotting, along with a brighter bill color and more crisp marking on the face and back. You find them on rocky shorelines and secluded ponds all around the bay, as well as inland, always doing their tail-bobbing dance as they patrol their section of the shoreline. The "Spottie" breeds widely across Canada and the US, and migrates well down into South America to spend the winter.


The bird here was photographed 3-10-2013 along the Bay Trail in San Raphael, California, just south of the section called the Jean and John Starkweather Trail. The head may not be in sharp focus, but I like the flow of the water.

Taxonomy:
Genus Actitis has only 2 species. The other one is the Common Sandpiper, a palearctic breeder that winters as far south as southern Africa, central Asia, Philippines and Autralia. Neither of these species have any subspecies recognized.