Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucos
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Common Sandpiper is one of the most distinctive waders by behaviour: it constantly bobs its tail and rear end up and down while walking, and flies low over water on stiff, bowed wings with rapid shallow wingbeats. A spring and autumn passage bird at Marshside and along any waterway edge on the Sefton Coast. It's also a summer breeding bird in northern England but not at Sefton. The constant tail-bobbing is the most reliable identification feature.
At a Glance
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Habitat | Pool edge · River margin · Coastal ditch · Wetland edge |
| Diet | Small invertebrates picked from water's edge and shallow water |
| UK population | Around 18,000 breeding pairs; amber-listed |
| Sefton Coast | Regular passage bird at Marshside and water bodies in spring and autumn |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB pool edges and ditches. Any waterway edge on passage.
Identification
Small wader. Brown above, white below with brown smear onto breast sides. Constant tail-bobbing. Low, bowed-wing flight over water with rapid shallow wingbeats. White wing bar in flight.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk any ditch or pool edge at Marshside in May or August. Listen for the loud, piping 'twee-wee-wee' call — often heard before the bird is seen.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Common Sandpiper constantly bob its tail?
The tail-bobbing of Common Sandpipers (and other bobbing waders) is thought to be a form of camouflage — by mimicking the movement of the water surface and surrounding vegetation, the rhythmic bobbing may help break up the bird's outline and make it less visible to predators. It's also possible that bobbing helps the bird detect visual movement of prey.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.