Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucos
Length 20cm

Common nesting species to N and W, invariably seen near river or lake margins. Summer visitor to breeding range, seen mainly from April to August. Occurs elsewhere in Britain on passage, often on coasts or beside flooded gravel pits. Scarce wintering species, mainly on coasts in S and W England. Small, plump-bodied wader with rather elongate tail end. Upperparts warm brown and underparts white showing clear demarcation between dark breast and white belly. Usually adopts horizontal stance and constantly bobs body up and down. Flies on bowed, fluttering wings and seldom seen flying more than a few feet above water.