Hello, everyone! When strolling along the beach, you often encounter small birds scurrying along the water’s edge. Among these, the Sanderling is particularly unique. Let me share a bit about the charm of this little bird.
At about 19cm in length, one of its attractions is the seasonal change in feather color. In summer, they don reddish-brown feathers, and in winter, they turn to a calm greyish-white. Their beaks and feet are always black, creating a lovely contrast! In Japan, you can see them migrating in spring and fall, and in winter, they overwinter in warmer regions. Especially the younger birds may stay in Japan even during the summer, so they might be more familiar than you think as you walk along the beach.
A rare feature of the Sanderling is that it only has three toes. While most birds have four, the Sanderling is a bit different, with its unique style. This makes them quite special.
Sanderlings move in flocks along the coast and tidal flats, feeding at the water’s edge. They hunt for shellfish and small animals, letting out small ‘cheep cheep’ and ‘kip kip’ sounds. During the breeding season, they also make a louder ‘kiu kiu kiu’ call.
The greatest charm of this little bird lies in its movements. As the waves come in, they run towards the land, and as they recede, they head back towards the sea. This delicate and rhythmic movement is like a dance along the seaside. So cute! When you walk along the beach, do look out for the Sanderling. Their small yet majestic form and their beautiful movements, dancing with the waves, will surely captivate your heart. See you next time!
