Least Sandpiper
Calidris minutilla (Vieillot, 1819)
EP
LEASA
5040
Family: Charadriiformes > Scolopacidae
The world’s smallest shorebird, white in colour with distinctive greenish-coloured legs, Least Sandpiper is a less than annual visitor from North America.
The Least Sandpiper is the smallest shorebird in the world and, appropriately, unlike it close relatives, forms flocks of dozens rather than thousands.
Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Least Sandpiper
BTO RECORDS
BTO RECORDS
Identification
Develop your bird ID skills with our training courses
Our interactive online courses are a great way to develop your bird identification skills, whether you're new to the hobby or a competent birder looking to hone your abilities.
Browse training coursesStatus and Trends
Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Least Concern 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | No |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | No |
POPULATION SIZE
We have no population estimates for this scarce species.
| BOU Category | A |
|
First Record
|
Cornwall, 1853 |
DISTRIBUTION
This species is a rare vagrant and was recorded during Bird Atlas 2007–11 as shown on the map.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
SEASONALITY
Least Sandpiper is a very rare vagrant in autumn.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Least Sandpiper, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING
Sample sizes are too small to report Productivity and Nesting statistics for this species.
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
|
Field Codes
|
2-letter: EP | 5-letter code: LEASA | Euring: 5040 |
For information in another language (where available) click on a linked name
Links to more studies from ConservationEvidence.com
- Use of Willapa Bay, Washington, by shorebirds and waterfowl after Spartina control efforts
- Rush cutting to create nesting patches for lapwings Vanellus vanellus and other waders, Lower Lough Erne RSPB reserve, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
- Experimental removal of introduced hedgehogs improves wader nest success
Read more studies about Least Sandpiper on Conservation Evidence >
Would you like to search for another species?
Share this page