Sanderling
Calidris alba (Pallas, 1764)
SS
SANDE
4970
Family: Charadriiformes > Scolopacidae
The caricature of a Sanderling is a small, white mouse-like wader chasing the tideline back and forth on a sandy beach.
These birds are winter visitors to Britain & Ireland, distributed widely around the coast and preferring long sandy beaches and sandbars.
Sanderlings are seen less frequently at inland sites than other coastal waders. It was previously thought that all our winter visitors originated from breeders in Siberia, but ringing studies have shown that we also host individuals from the Greenland population on passage, some of which stay for the winter.
Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Sanderling
Identification
Sanderling identification is often straightforward. The following article may help when identifying Sanderling.
Identifying Sanderling and Curlew Sandpiper
In the UK in late Summer some may be daunted by the prospect of identifying individual species in frequent groups of small waders. The key to differing between many of these small, plump birds is to become accustomed with Dunlin first. In this Bird ID video we compare Sanderling and Curlew Sandpiper to their more well-recognised cousin.
SONGS AND CALLS
Listen to example recordings of the main vocalisations of Sanderling, provided by xeno-canto contributors.
Flight call
Develop your bird ID skills with our training courses
Our interactive online courses are a great way to develop your bird identification skills, whether you're new to the hobby or a competent birder looking to hone your abilities.
Browse training coursesStatus and Trends
Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
| UK Birds of Conservation Concern | Amber listed |
| Species of European Conservation Concern | Least Concern |
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Least Concern 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | No |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | No |
|
Listed on the Annexes of
|
Bern(III), Bonn(II), AEWA |
POPULATION SIZE
| UK (winter) | 21 thousand (2012-17) |
| BOU Category | A |
|
First Record
|
c. 1600 |
POPULATION CHANGE
| UK winter population |
+47% increase (1996/97–2021/22) |
DISTRIBUTION
Sanderlings in winter are predominantly coastal and much scarcer inland than most other waders. They can be found along most stretches of coast but are most abundant away from estuaries, instead preferring areas where sandy beaches and sandbars prevail. The North Sea coast, Outer Hebrides, Ribble Estuary and Carmarthen Bay hold the highest densities.
-
Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
| No. occupied in winter | 421 |
| % occupied in winter | 14 |
European Distribution Map
DISTRIBUTION CHANGE
The Sanderling winter range has expanded by 31% and 21% in Britain and Ireland respectively since the 1980s. Gains in Britain have occurred throughout most of the coastline, and at inland sites, although distribution along the North Sea coast has remained stable. In Ireland, gains have been predominantly in the west and northwest.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
| % change in range in winter (1981–84 to 2007–11) | +31.5% |
SEASONALITY
Sanderlings are winter visitors, but as a high Arctic breeder, passage continues into late May.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Foreign locations of birds ringed or recovered in Britain & Ireland
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Sanderling, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING
|
Number of Broods
|
1 |
|
Egg Size
|
36×25 mm Weight = 11.2 g (of which 5% is shell) |
SURVIVAL & LONGEVITY
View number ringed each year in the Online Ringing Report
|
Maximum Age from Ringing
|
17 years 7 months 3 days (set in 1988)
|
|
Typical Lifespan
|
7 years with breeding typically at 2 year |
|
Adult Survival
|
0.83
|
BIOMETRICS
|
Wing Length
|
Adults | 126.7±3.6 | Range 121–133mm, N=1392 |
| Juveniles | 126.2±3.1 | Range 121-132mm, N=138 |
|
Body Weight
|
Adults | 57.7±8.3 | Range 46.0–73.0g, N=1473 |
| Juveniles | 55.5±9 | Range 42.6–71.0g, N=134 |
Feather measurements and photos on featherbase
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
|
Ring size
|
B2 |
|
Field Codes
|
2-letter: SS | 5-letter code: SANDE | Euring: 4970 |
For information in another language (where available) click on a linked name
Research
Interpretation and scientific publications about Sanderling from BTO scientists.
PUBLICATIONS (2)
Consequences of population change for local abundance and site occupancy of wintering waterbirds
Wavering Waterbirds
Protected sites are assigned based on population statistics for vulnerable and endangered species. This new study using WeBS data shows that changes in population size can affect local abundance, and thus influence whether or not key targets are met for site protection.
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