Sandpipers and allies

Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)
Large group within the ‘waders’ or shorebirds, with several distinct sub-groups.

Sandpipers are small to medium-sized, quite long-billed birds, from stints and dunlin types to long-legged ‘shanks’ and ‘true’ sandpipers, including the green sandpiper. Generally shoreline birds, some wading in shallow water, while others feed on rocky shores.

Godwits are larger, longer-legged, longer-billed.

Curlews and whimbrels, of which there are several species worldwide, have downcurved bills and mottled brown plumage. Many of these waders are among the world’s greatest long-distance migrants, travelling annually from the Arctic to the southernmost tips of South America, Africa and Australia.