Pectoral Sandpiper

 

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)

This solitary Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) was found at the saltpans in Fuencaliente by at least two different local observers recently (JRP and FL). I myself saw the bird at around midday today, August 23.

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)

In the above image, the sharply-defined limit of the breast streaking, ending in a point at the centre, can be appreciated.

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)

During my stay at the site, the sandpiper spent most of the time feeding alone. Other waders present nearby included one Redshank (Tringa totanus), one Ruff (Philomachus pugnax), 2 Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), and the usual small numbers of Turnstones (Arenaria interpres).

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)

The Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) is one of the most regularly-observed vagrants in Spain, where it is no longer officially classed as a rarity. 

The species breeds at high latitudes in both North America and Asia and winters mainly in South America, especially in Argentina, but part of the population winters as far away as Southern Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. 

It was first believed that individuals appearing in Europe were vagrants from North America, but some authors propose a possible Siberian origin, with a certain proportion of birds migrating Southwest towards Sub-Saharan Africa and making landfalls in Europe. The species could even be breeding occasionaly in the far north of Europe.