The White-rumped Sandpiper is one of the four “elliptical” migrants: in the fall these species migrate primarily out over the Atlantic Ocean, therefore, they are not generally seen in Central Texas during the fall and winter. Additionally, they are not generally seen in Central Texas in the summer due to their far north breeding grounds. So the White-rumped is usually only seen during spring migration (in alternate plumage) when their route passes through the middle and eastern portions of North America.
White-rumped Sandpiper (alternate)
The White-rumped Sandpiper is a tall, lanky, long-winged sandpiper. In alternate plumage it is quite dapper, with streaks on the breast and flanks. As a long-winged peep, its primaries jut out beyond the tail. It has a slightly-drooping, medium-length bill with a blunt tip. It is virtually the same size as the Baird’s Sandpiper and larger than the 3 small peeps (Western, Semipalmated & Least). Its namesake white-rump can be seen in some of the photos below when it raises its wings. It generally has a noticeable white supercilium and pale rufous cap. At close range a brownish base of the bill may be noticeable, in comparison with the rest of the darker bill.
