Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima) - Birds Around Me 0272

The Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima) is a small but tough shorebird belonging to the sandpiper family Scolopacidae. Measuring about 20–22 cm in length, it has a compact, pot‑bellied build, a long slightly drooping bill, and bright orange legs. Its plumage is mostly gray‑brown with subtle purplish tones on the wing feathers, which give the species its name.  

Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima)
Iceland, July 2025

This bird is remarkable for its choice of habitat. Unlike most sandpipers that prefer sandy beaches or mudflats, the Purple Sandpiper specializes in rocky, wave‑battered coastlines. It can often be seen foraging among seaweed‑covered rocks, probing crevices for mussels, crustaceans, insects, and marine worms. Its ability to thrive in harsh, storm‑lashed environments has earned it a reputation as one of the most resilient shorebirds.  

Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima)
Iceland, July 2025

Breeding occurs in the Arctic and subarctic regions of Eurasia and North America, where nests are simple scrapes on tundra ground. After the breeding season, Purple Sandpipers migrate south to winter along the North Atlantic coasts, ranging from Greenland and Iceland to northern Europe, and in North America from Newfoundland and Quebec down to New England and occasionally as far south as South Carolina. They are the northernmost wintering shorebird, enduring conditions that drive most other species farther south.  

Though listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, their specialized habitat makes them vulnerable to coastal changes and climate impacts. For birdwatchers, spotting a Purple Sandpiper is a highlight of winter birding along rugged coasts. Its subdued beauty, orange highlights, and storm‑defying behavior embody the resilience of Arctic wildlife.  

Birds Around Me - Unfinished List (अपूर्ण  सूची) 
https://birds.rekabira.in/p/this-is-list-of-birds-i-clicked-since.html 

Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe

Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima)
Iceland, July 2025

Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima)
Iceland, July 2025

Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima)
Iceland, July 2025