Curlew sandpiper

Introduction: Coastal lagoons, shorelines, estuaries and bays, as well as inland wetlands are typical habitats of the curlew sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea). Flocks of thousands are not uncommon.

Distribution: Patchy populations in north-east and southern Namibia, common around Swakopmund and Walvis Bay north along the Skeleton coast as far north as the Kunene River estuary. Also occurs in Etosha National Park, Windhoek, Luderitz and the Caprivi Strip.

Diet: Pecks and probes for mud snails and small crabs.

Description: Medium-sized grey wader with rusty coloured breeding plumage (ferruginea). Males and females alike in plumage colouration. Often confused with the larger ruff.

Breeding: Non-breeder in Namibia.

Size: 45cm.

Weight: 55g