Common Sandpiper vs Wood Sandpiper

In short

The Common Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper can be tricky to distinguish, but key differences lie in their structure and behavior. The Common Sandpiper has a more pronounced wingbar in flight and a longer tail at rest, while the Wood Sandpiper is more slender with longer legs and a more prominent supercilium.

Identification tips

1. Wingbar in flight: Common Sandpiper shows a more obvious wingbar. 2. Tail length at rest: Common Sandpiper's tail extends beyond the wingtips. 3. Leg color: Common Sandpiper has greener or greyer legs, while Wood Sandpiper's legs are longer and more yellowish. 4. Supercilium: Wood Sandpiper has a more prominent supercilium. 5. Behavior: Look for the Common Sandpiper's tail bobbing and distinctive flight pattern.

Size

Both species are small sandpipers, but the Common Sandpiper is slightly smaller and stockier than the more slender Wood Sandpiper.

Plumage

The Common Sandpiper has greenish-brown upperparts with a white wingbar and dark lateral breast patches. The Wood Sandpiper features a more prominent supercilium and generally appears more speckled and less uniform than the Common Sandpiper.

Behaviour

The Common Sandpiper often bobs its tail and has a characteristic flight with stiff, shallow wingbeats. The Wood Sandpiper is more likely to be seen wading in shallow water with a more graceful demeanor.

Habitat

Both species can be found near water, but the Common Sandpiper is more often seen along rocky shores and riverbanks, while the Wood Sandpiper prefers marshes and wet meadows.

Voice

The Common Sandpiper's call is a quick, shrill 'swee-wee-wee' series, while the Wood Sandpiper's call is a more musical and whistled 'tlu-eet'.