Sanderling

Calidris alba Mar–Oct

Similar in shape and size to the Ruddy Turnstone, these two species often travel together during migration as they share wintering grounds in the Arctic. Of the two, the Sanderling has less dramatic coloring. During the breeding season it displays tan upper parts with brown mottling, but turns a pale gray above and white below during the nonbreeding season. This latter coloring is the one you are likely to see in Rhode Island. An easy way to tell two sandpipers apart is by looking at their legs and feet. The Sanderling's are black while the Ruddy Turnstone's are orange.