Purple Sandpiper
Calidris maritima
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Purple Sandpiper is a winter speciality of rocky coasts — dark, stocky, and remarkably tame, feeding methodically on wave-washed rocks and jetties. The Sefton Coast is mostly sandy but any rock structure — jetties, piers, breakwaters — is worth checking for this species in winter. They often allow very close approach. The 'purple' of the name is a subtle purple-grey sheen on the dark winter plumage. They breed in Arctic tundra and overwinter on exposed rocky coasts.
At a Glance
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Habitat | Rocky shore · Rock jetty · Wave-washed rocks |
| Diet | Invertebrates from seaweed and rock surfaces — picks, probes and turns seaweed |
| UK population | Around 13,000 wintering birds; amber-listed |
| Sefton Coast | Regular in small numbers on rock structures; can be found most winters |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Rock jetties at Southport pier and any rock structures on the coast. Can be very tame.
Identification
Stocky, dark wader. Winter: dark grey above with subtle purple gloss; pale below with grey streaking. Yellow-orange at base of bill and legs. Short bill slightly drooped. Often very tame.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Check any jetty or rock structure on the Sefton Coast in December–February. Purple Sandpipers are often remarkably approachable — walk slowly and they'll continue feeding.
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 are Purple Sandpipers so tame?
Purple Sandpipers breed in remote Arctic areas with few human predators, so they have not evolved the wariness shown by many birds. On their wintering grounds they prioritise feeding over vigilance — a single bird at a food-rich jetty cannot afford to waste energy fleeing. Their tameness is one of their most endearing characteristics for birdwatchers.
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.