Shorebirds

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

A small shorebird recognized by its bold black breast spots in breeding plumage and its distinctive teetering walk. It is the most widespread breeding sandpiper in North America.

Current regional viewing notes

Rocky beaches, stream edges, and lake margins around Hoonah; frequently bobs along the shoreline near the ferry terminal.

Dataset note: This legacy field can be specific to Southeast Alaska/Hoonah and is not a complete statewide range statement.

Habitat

Shorelines of streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal beaches.

Diet

Insects, small crustaceans, worms, and tiny fish.

Natural history note

Spotted Sandpipers practice polyandry — the female mates with multiple males, and each male incubates a clutch and raises the chicks on his own.