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SPOTTED SANDPIPER  Actitis macularius 16.5–18cm. Distinctive small

migrant sandpiper of varied fresh and saltwater habitats from coastlines and

highland rivers to estuaries and ponds, often with stony and rocky shores;

perches readily on posts, mangrove branches. Usually single birds, rarely loose

small groups, and typically apart from other shorebirds. Walks with almost

constant bobbing of rear end; very rarely wades in water. Flight typically low

over water with stiff flicking beats of bowed wings. Note habits, white spur at

chest sides; breeding plumage has variable black spotting below; juv. (Aug–Oct)

like nonbr. with narrow pale edgings to upperparts. SOUNDS: High, slightly

plaintive to piping single notes and short phrases, siit and see-wee-wee, etc. STATUS: Fairly common but

low-density Jul–May on both slopes, locally to 1800m. (Breeds N America, winters to S America.)

WANDERING TATTLER  Tringa incana 24–25.5m. Distinctive, medium-size

migrant sandpiper of rocky, often rugged, and wave-dashed coasts, rarely

adjacent sandy beaches. Usually single birds, apart from other species except

sometimes at roosts. Walks with frequent bobbing of rear end. Note straight,

medium-length bill, fairly short yellowish legs, plain slaty-gray upperparts in

flight; breeding plumage has heavy dark barring on underparts; juv. (Aug–Oct)

like nonbr. with notched whitish spotting on upperparts. SOUNDS:  Rapid,

slightly ringing, overall slightly descending or overslurred series of (usually 4–7)

short, high piping whistles, tii-lii-lii-lii and variations. STATUS: Uncommon

Aug–May along rocky stretches of Pacific coast, more numerous in migration; a few oversummer locally.

(Breeds N America, winters to n. S America and across Pacific.)

RUDDY TURNSTONE  Arenaria interpres 22.5–24cm. Distinctive, chunky,

medium-size migrant sandpiper of rocky coasts, sandy beaches, estuaries,

coastal lagoons. Often in flocks, associating readily with other shorebirds. Pokes

amid and overturns seaweed, stones, in search of prey. Note bright reddish-

orange legs, dark breast patches, variegated upperparts; striking flight pattern.

Breeding female has duskier head markings, duller upperparts than male; juv.

(Aug–Oct) like nonbr. but with neat pale scaly edgings to upperparts, duller

legs. SOUNDS: Sharp kyew! and relatively mellow rolled dr-dr-dr, can suggest

Short-billed Dowitcher. STATUS: Fairly common to common Aug–May on both

coasts, especially Pacific; more widespread in migration; small numbers oversummer locally. (Breeds n.

Eurasia and N America, winters almost worldwide.)

SURFBIRD  Calidris virgata 24–25.5cm. Medium-size, distinctive chunky

migrant sandpiper of rocky coasts and breakwaters, adjacent sandy beaches and

tidal flats. Sometimes in small flocks, associating readily with Ruddy Turnstone

and other species. Larger and bulkier than turnstone, with stouter bill, short

yellowish legs, distinct flight pattern. Juv. (Aug–Oct) like nonbr. but with neat

pale scaly edgings to upperparts. SOUNDS:  Quiet mellow whe-whek..., and

higher whik, easily lost amid the sound of crashing waves. STATUS: Uncommon

Aug–Nov, Mar–May, on Pacific coast, scarce in winter; imms. rarely over­

summer. (Breeds N America, winters to S America.)

SANDERLING  Calidris alba 18–19cm. A large ‘small sandpiper’ of sandy

beaches, river mouths, estuaries, adjacent rocky coasts. Feeds by picking and

probing; classic behavior is to run after receding waves on sandy beaches to pick

for food, then race back ahead of incoming waves. Note overall pale plumage

with darker shoulder patch, medium-length straightish bill, black legs; lacks

hind toe of other small and medium-size sandpipers. Breeding plumage rarely

seen in Costa Rica. SOUNDS: Bright sharp kiip or plik. STATUS: Fairly common

Aug–Oct, Mar–May on both coasts, uncommon in winter; a few may remain

locally in summer. (Breeds n. Eurasia and N America, winters s. in New World

to S America.)