Sandpipers & Snipes in United Kingdom
32 species matching this filter.
The United Kingdom hosts 25 species from the Sandpipers & Snipes family, making it one of Europe's most important regions for these wading birds. From the haunting call of the Curlew across upland moors to the elusive Eurasian Woodcock skulking in woodland, these species occupy a remarkable range of habitats including estuaries, mudflats, marshes, and moorland. Notable species such as the Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, and Common Snipe can be observed in impressive numbers, particularly during migration and winter months.
Showing 24–32 of 32 species
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpresLC
Found year-round on rocky shorelines and harbours, flipping stones and seaweed to find invertebrates. Numbers peak in winter with arrivals from Arctic breeding grounds.
Year-round
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
An uncommon wader found on coastal marshes and flooded fields, mainly as a passage migrant and winter visitor. Very few now breed in the UK.
Year-round
Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
A pale, energetic wader found on sandy beaches year-round, with numbers peaking in winter. Runs rapidly along the tideline chasing waves.
Year-round
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
An uncommon wader found on estuaries and coastal marshes, most numerous on autumn passage and in winter.
Year-round
Temminck's Stint
Calidris temminckiiLC
A rare passage migrant, most often seen at freshwater margins in spring and autumn. The majority of UK records come from eastern England.
May–Dec
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
An uncommon resident with a tiny breeding population in Shetland. Most frequently seen as a passage migrant along coasts in spring and autumn.
Year-round
White-rumped Sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollisVU
A rare Nearctic passage wader, most often seen at coastal pools and estuaries from late summer into autumn. Easily overlooked among Dunlin flocks.
Jul–Feb
Wilson's Phalarope
Phalaropus tricolorLC
A rare autumn vagrant from the Americas, turning up at coastal pools and marshes from September to November. Most sightings occur in south-west England and Ireland.
Sep–Nov
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Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare breeding bird in the Scottish Highlands, more often seen as a passage migrant at freshwater marshes and pool edges in spring and autumn.
Apr–Oct