Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
20 Things to know about the Common Sandpiper (Scientific name: Actitis hypoleucos)
The Common Sandpiper is a small wading bird. It has brown upperparts, white underparts and yellowish-green legs. The white underparts extend up in front of the wing which helps distinguish it from the larger Green Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper. Common Sandpipers are around 19-21 cm (7.5-8.3 in)long and have a wingspan of 32-35 cm (12.6-13.8 in).
They breed in Europe and Asia and migrate south to spend the winter in southern Asia, Africa and Australia. Common Sandpipers prefer coastal, freshwater and wetland habitats. Their diet includes insects, molluscs, crustaceans, worms and small fish.
Common Sandpipers nest on the ground near to water. The female builds the nest, usually a shallow scrape lined with plant material. The female typically lays 4 eggs which are incubated by both parents. The eggs hatch after 3 weeks. The chicks leave the nest soon after hatching and, at first, both parents care for the chicks. After several days, the female departs to prepare for migration. The chicks are then cared for by the male until they can fly at around 3-4 weeks old. Common Sandpipers usually raise one brood a year.
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20 Things to know about the Common Sandpiper (Scientific name: Actitis hypoleucos)
The Common Sandpiper is a small wading bird. It has brown upperparts, white underparts and yellowish-green legs. The white underparts extend up in front of the wing which helps distinguish it from the larger Green Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper. Common Sandpipers are around 19-21 cm (7.5-8.3 in)long and have a wingspan of 32-35 cm (12.6-13.8 in).
They breed in Europe and Asia and migrate south to spend the winter in southern Asia, Africa and Australia. Common Sandpipers prefer coastal, freshwater and wetland habitats. Their diet includes insects, molluscs, crustaceans, worms and small fish.
Common Sandpipers nest on the ground near to water. The female builds the nest, usually a shallow scrape lined with plant material. The female typically lays 4 eggs which are incubated by both parents. The eggs hatch after 3 weeks. The chicks leave the nest soon after hatching and, at first, both parents care for the chicks. After several days, the female departs to prepare for migration. The chicks are then cared for by the male until they can fly at around 3-4 weeks old. Common Sandpipers usually raise one brood a year.
If you enjoyed this video, please like 👍, subscribe and leave a comment. If you'd like to be notified when new videos are available, please hit the bell🔔!
Thank you for watching!
