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Solitary Sandpiper

Status Uncommon transient. Small numbers have been reported for 12 springs since 1960, between 28 April and 8 June. It is a rather uncommon fall migrant: although a few normally appear after mid-July (average 20 July, earliest 6 July), most are noted from mid-August through early September. They are last seen in October most years (average 16 October, latest 9 November).

Description Length: 20-23 cm. Adults: Back almost black, finely speckled with white or buff; centre feathers of tail black, outer ones white, conspicuously barred with black: sides of head, neck and breast white, streaked and speckled with black; belly white; legs and feet olive-green.

Range Breeds in the wooded northland of Canada and Alaska. Winters from the southern states and the West Indies south to central South America.

Remarks This shorebird is rarely seen in salt marshes and almost never on beaches, nor does it consort with its relatives. It shows a decided preference for the swampy margins of brackish pools, freshwater ponds and woodland streams, frequently being seen far from the coast. Its name is most appropriate, for during its migration it often is seen alone.

Good field marks are its dark wings and white outer tail feathers, barred with black and conspicuous in flight.

For many years, naturalists were puzzled at being unable to learn the secret of this bird's nesting habits. Finally it was discovered that, unlike most sandpipers, practically all of which nest on the ground, this one uses the old nests of birds that build in trees in the Canadian northland.