Baird's sandpiper

Baird's sandpiper (Calidris bairdii)
Photo provided by HASEG77/pond5.com

FEATURES
At rest, The Baird's sandpiper's wings extend about one-half inch beyond the tail tip. Legs are black. Feathers across the breast are brown or very light brown. The general color of the feathers on the upper side of the body is brown.

BEHAVIORS
Most of the spring migration for the Baird's sandpiper is to the west of Illinois, but a few individuals usually appear in the state each year. Southbound migrants are almost entirely immatures of the species while the adults move along the coastlines of the United States. Spring migrants begin appearing in Illinois in March. They breed in the Arctic tundra. July is the beginning of the southward migration through Illinois. Overwintering occurs in South America. The birds can be seen on mudflats, beaches, sandbars, golf courses and at airports. They feed on small invertebrates.