Sanderling (alternate & molting into alternate)
The Sanderling is a common and highly photogenic sandpiper present on the Texas Coast year round. It is shown below in alternate plumage and molting into alternate plumage which is a complex combination of browns, reds, grays, blacks and whites. The Sanderling is sometimes described as looking “sunburnt” in alternate plumage.
Sanderling (basic)
In basic plumage the Sanderling is a stunning mix of blacks and whites. Note its straight, blunt-tipped bill, its cool or “frosty” colorations and the black mark at the bend of the folded wing.
Comparisons
With its round head and straight, blunt-tipped bill, the Sanderling is reminiscent of the Semipalmated Sandpiper. However, as shown below the Sanderling is much larger and even “frostier” than the Semipalmated even in alternate plumage. The Sanderling is also compared with Least Sandpiper and Dunlin below. Note that in all plumages the Sanderling is “frostier” (less brownish) than all of the other species shown.
