Photo-feature: Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla

 


 

The Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla, the world’s smallest sandpiper, breeds across the entire North American subarctic in a wide variety of habitats including upland and coastal tundra and spruce forests. It winters from southern parts of the continental US south to central South America.

A vagrant to Japan, the species has yet to be recorded in Korea - though its occurrence here is perhaps being overlooked because of its similarity in non-breeding plumage to the widespread Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta. All photographs © Charlie Moores. Taken at Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, California (September).


Least Sandpiper, Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, September 01 2004.


Least Sandpiper, Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, September 01 2004.


Least Sandpiper, Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, September 01 2004.


Least Sandpiper, Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, September 01 2004.


Least Sandpiper, Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, September 01 2004.


Least Sandpiper, Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, September 01 2004.


Least Sandpiper, Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, September 01 2004.


Least Sandpiper, Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, September 01 2004.


Least Sandpiper, Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, September 01 2004.