Whether you’re a seasoned birder with a life list longer than your grocery list or a newbie who thinks “shorebird” is a job title at the beach, this guide is for you.
Here, we’ll wade through the world of North American shorebirds, exploring 20 species you absolutely must know.
Get your binoculars ready—it’s time to become a shorebird savant. Let’s dive in and get nerdy!
Photo: Dee Carpenter Originals/Shutterstock
1. American Avocet
Description:
Meet the American Avocet, a medium-sized wading bird and the ballerina of the bird world with its elegant long legs and upturned bill. Picture black and white wings paired with a rusty orange head during breeding season. These graceful shorebirds are a must-see for anyone serious about shorebird identification.
Where to See Them:
Spot these beauties in shallow freshwater and saline habitats, from marshes to salt ponds, especially during migration seasons in the Western and Central U.S.
Key Traits:
- Long, blue-grey legs
- Upturned bill
- Black and white body with a rusty orange head during breeding season
Photo: Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock
2. Piping Plover
Description:
The Piping Plover is the beach bum of the shorebird world. This petite shorebird, part of the plover bird family, sports a short, stubby bill and a single black neck band that screams “I’m cute, but I mean business.” Its squeaky call is the bird equivalent of a kid’s toy.
Where to See Them:
Find these beach lovers along the Atlantic Coast, the Great Lakes, and inland rivers. Protected areas are their go-to hangouts, thanks to conservation efforts by organizations like the National Audubon Society.
Key Traits:
- Pale sand-colored plumage
- Short, stubby bill
- Single black neck band
Photo: CezaryKorkosz/Shutterstock
3. Black-bellied Plover
Description:
The Black-bellied Plover is the Jekyll and Hyde of shorebirds, rocking a striking black belly and face with a mottled white and black back during breeding season. Come winter, it switches to a more subdued gray. As one of the larger shorebirds, it’s easy to spot even if you’re still on your first cup of coffee.
Where to See Them:
You’ll find them on coastlines during migration, from sandy beaches to rocky shores, and in tundra regions during breeding season.
Key Traits:
- Black belly during breeding season
- Large size for a plover
- Mottled back in breeding plumage, gray in winter
Photo: Ray Hennessy/Shutterstock
4. Red Knot
Description:
Red Knots are the marathon runners of the bird world, migrating up to 9,300 miles from their Arctic breeding grounds to South America. During the breeding season, their plumage turns a rusty red, which fades to a plain gray in the winter. These birds are known for their synchronized, wave-like flight patterns, making them the synchronized swimmers of shorebirds.
Where to See Them:
During migration, look for them along the Atlantic Coast, particularly the Delaware Bay, where they gorge on horseshoe crab eggs. Horseshoe crabs are a critical food source for the rufa Red Knots, providing essential fat and protein that enable the birds to gain weight and complete their arduous journey back to the Arctic.
Key Traits:
- Rusty red breeding plumage
- Long migrations
- Wave-like flock flight patterns
Photo: Stephen A. Waycott/Shutterstock
5. Semipalmated Sandpiper
Description:
Small but mighty, the Semipalmated Sandpiper is a compact shorebird with a short bill and partially webbed feet—hence the name “semipalmated.” In breeding plumage, they have a mix of brown and white feathers, while non-breeding birds are mostly gray and white.
Where to See Them:
Check the mudflats, marshes, and estuaries during migration. Many species of sandpipers, including this one, often gather in massive flocks, creating quite a spectacle.
Key Traits:
- Partially webbed feet
- Short bill
- Large flocks during migration
Photo: Carrie Olson/Shutterstock
6. Western Sandpiper
Description:
Western Sandpipers are small shorebirds with a slightly down-curved bill and rufous (reddish) tones on their back during the breeding season. They’re similar to the Semipalmated Sandpiper but can be differentiated by the bill shape and breeding plumage.
Where to See Them:
These birds migrate along the Pacific Flyway, often seen in tidal flats, estuaries, and mudflats. Their breeding grounds are in the tundra of Alaska and eastern Siberia.
Key Traits:
- Slightly down-curved bill
- Rufous tones in breeding plumage
- Pacific Flyway migrant
Photo: Bouke Atema/Shutterstock
7. Sanderling
Description:
The Sanderling is like the little white beachcomber of the shorebird world, constantly running back and forth with the waves. During breeding season, their plumage is a striking mix of rufous, black, and white, while in winter, they turn almost pure white.
Where to See Them:
Common along sandy beaches, look for them running in synchrony with the surf, foraging for small invertebrates.
Key Traits:
- Constantly running along the surf
- Striking breeding plumage
- Pure white winter plumage
Photo: Agami Photo Agency/Shutterstock
8. Dunlin
Description:
Dunlins are medium-sized sandpipers with a distinctive black belly patch during the breeding season. Their bill is long and slightly curved, perfect for probing mudflats for food. Outside of breeding season, their plumage turns a more subdued gray-brown.
Where to See Them:
Dunlins are often found in large flocks on coastal mudflats, estuaries, and marshes during migration and winter.
Key Traits:
- Black belly patch in breeding season
- Long, slightly curved bill
- Large flocks in winter
Photo: Tathoms/Shutterstock
9. Marbled Godwit
Description:
The Marbled Godwit is a large, graceful shorebird with a long, slightly upturned bill that’s pink at the base. Their warm, brown plumage is mottled and provides excellent camouflage against coastal backgrounds.
Where to See Them:
Look for these godwits in coastal mudflats, estuaries, and prairie wetlands, particularly during migration and winter months.
Key Traits:
- Long, upturned bill with pink base
- Warm brown mottled plumage
- Large size
Photo: Martin Pelanek/Shutterstock
10. Whimbrel
Description:
Whimbrels are large shorebirds with a striking long, curved bill that they use to probe deep into the sand for crabs and other tasty treats. Their plumage is brown with a distinctive striped head pattern, making them the shorebird equivalent of a pirate.
Where to See Them:
These globe-trotting birds can be found on coastal mudflats and marshes during migration. They breed in the Arctic tundra and winter along coastlines worldwide.
Key Traits:
- Long, curved bill
- Striped head pattern
- Large size
Photo: Brian E Kushner/Shutterstock
11. Ruddy Turnstone
Description:
The Ruddy Turnstone is a striking, medium-sized shorebird with bright orange legs and a unique harlequin-like pattern of black and white on its face and chest. As its name suggests, it’s often seen flipping over stones and debris to find food. Yes, it’s the OCD cleaner of the bird world.
Where to See Them:
They frequent rocky shorelines, jetties, and coastal areas, especially during migration.
Key Traits:
- Bright orange legs
- Harlequin black and white face pattern
- Stone-flipping behavior
Photo: Agami Photo Agency/Shutterstock
12. Wilson’s Phalarope
Description:
Wilson’s Phalarope is a small, elegant shorebird with a long, thin bill and stunning breeding plumage that features a mix of white, gray, and chestnut. Unlike most shorebirds, phalaropes swim in circles to stir up food from the water. Think of them as the aquatic ballet dancers of the shorebird community.
Where to See Them:
Look for them in shallow lakes and marshes, particularly in the western U.S. during breeding season.
Key Traits:
- Long, thin bill
- Swimming in circles
- Distinctive breeding plumage
Photo: Agami Photo Agency/Shutterstock
13. Spotted Sandpiper
Description:
The Spotted Sandpiper is easily recognized by its teetering gait and the bold spots that cover its breast during the breeding season. Their call is a sharp “peet-weet,” and they are often seen alone rather than in flocks. They’re the loners of the bird world, but still fabulous.
Where to See Them:
They can be found along rivers, streams, ponds, and coastal areas across North America.
Key Traits:
- Teetering gait
- Bold breast spots in breeding season
- Solitary behavior
Photo: Chris Klonowski/Shutterstock
14. Willet
Description:
Willets are large, stocky shorebirds with a robust bill and striking black and white wing patterns visible in flight. They have a loud, piercing call that’s hard to miss and even harder to ignore. They’re the town criers of the shore.
Where to See Them:
Common in coastal marshes, mudflats, and beaches, Willets are easy to spot during both migration and breeding seasons.
Key Traits:
- Stocky build
- Black and white wing patterns
- Loud call
Photo: Brian Lasenby/Shutterstock
15. Greater Yellowlegs
Description:
True to its name, the Greater Yellowlegs has long, bright yellow legs and a long, slightly upturned bill. They’re often seen wading through shallow water, using their bill to pick off small fish and insects. Think of them as the shoreline’s version of a fisher.
Where to See Them:
Look for them in marshes, mudflats, and along shorelines during migration and breeding seasons.
Key Traits:
- Long, yellow legs
- Slightly upturned bill
- Wading behavior
Photo: FotoRequest/Shutterstock
16. Lesser Yellowlegs
Description:
The Lesser Yellowlegs looks a lot like its bigger cousin but is smaller and more delicate in build. It also has bright yellow legs and a straight, thin bill. They’re often found in the same habitats as the Greater Yellowlegs but tend to be more cautious, the shy siblings of the shore.
Where to See Them:
Common in freshwater wetlands, marshes, and mudflats, especially during migration.
Key Traits:
- Smaller size compared to Greater Yellowlegs
- Bright yellow legs
- Straight, thin bill
Photo: Brian E Kushner/Shutterstock
17. Killdeer
Description:
Killdeers are medium-sized plovers with two black bands across their chest and a loud, distinctive call that sounds like “kill-deer.” Known for their dramatic broken-wing display to distract predators from their nests, these birds are the soap opera stars of the bird world.
Where to See Them:
They’re common in open fields, mudflats, and even in urban areas, making them one of the most easily spotted shorebirds.
Key Traits:
- Two black chest bands
- Loud, “kill-deer” call
- Broken-wing display behavior
Photo: Troy Lim/Shutterstock
18. Long-billed Curlew
Description:
With its impressively long, down-curved bill, the Long-billed Curlew is hard to miss. This large shorebird has a beautiful cinnamon-brown plumage and uses its bill to probe deep into mud for invertebrates. Imagine if Pinocchio was a bird and decided to go big or go home.
Where to See Them:
Look for them in grasslands, mudflats, and marshes, especially in the central and western U.S. during migration.
Key Traits:
- Long, down-curved bill
- Cinnamon-brown plumage
- Large size
Photo: Agami Photo Agency/Shutterstock
19. Hudsonian Godwit
Description:
The Hudsonian Godwit is a large shorebird with a slightly upturned bill and a striking combination of rufous and gray plumage during the breeding season. These birds are known for their long migrations from their Arctic breeding grounds to South America. They’re basically the bird version of a frequent flyer.
Where to See Them:
Often found in coastal mudflats, estuaries, and marshes during migration.
Key Traits:
- Slightly upturned bill
- Rufous and gray breeding plumage
- Long migrations
Photo: Agami Photo Agency/Shutterstock
20. Stilt Sandpiper
Description:
The Stilt Sandpiper is aptly named for its long, slender legs that give it a graceful, stilt-like appearance. With a slightly down-curved bill and a mix of gray and white plumage, they are elegant waders. They’re the supermodels of the shorebird scene.
Where to See Them:
Look for them in shallow wetlands, mudflats, and marshes, particularly in the central U.S. during migration.
Key Traits:
- Long, slender legs
- Slightly down-curved bill
- Elegant wader
Photo: Agami Photo Agency/Shutterstock
21. Lesser Sand Plover
Description:
The Lesser Sand Plover is a small shorebird that is more commonly found in Eurasia but has been spotted in North America, especially along the Pacific Coast. This species breed in the high-altitude regions of Asia and migrates long distances, sometimes finding its way to the U.S.
Where to See Them:
Look for them in coastal mudflats and sandy beaches during migration, particularly on the West Coast.
Key Traits:
- Small size
- Short, straight bill
- Breeding plumage includes a black mask and rufous chest
Photo: Daniel Bruce Lacy/Shutterstock
22. Black Oystercatcher
Description:
The Black Oystercatcher is a striking bird with jet-black plumage and a bright orange bill. Often found along rocky coastlines, this bird is a master of prying open shellfish, living up to its name.
Where to See Them:
You can spot them along the Pacific Coast, especially in areas with rocky shores and abundant shellfish.
Key Traits:
- Black plumage
- Bright orange bill
- Rocky coastline habitats
Photo: Jukka Jantunen/Shutterstock
23. American Golden Plover
Description:
The American Golden Plover is a sleek, medium-sized shorebird known for its striking gold-spangled plumage and impressive migratory journeys from the Arctic breeding grounds to South America. It’s one of several species that showcase the incredible stamina and navigation skills of migratory shorebirds.
Where to See Them:
You can find them in open tundra during breeding season and in grasslands or coastal mudflats during migration.
Key Traits:
- Gold-spangled plumage
- Long migration routes
- Medium size
Shorebird watching is a rewarding challenge that brings you face-to-face with some of nature’s most resilient and fascinating creatures. From the striking elegance of the Black-necked Stilt to the subtle differences that define separate species, each bird offers a unique story waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re identifying shorebirds by their distinct calls, plumage, or behaviors, there’s always something new to learn and appreciate. So grab your binoculars and get out there—each shorebird encounter is a chance to deepen your connection with the natural world.
Recommended:Â Check out our guide to shorebirds vs seabirds and double-up on your coastal birding knowledge!
