Spotted sandpiper

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The spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is a small bird in the genus Actitis.

 Description 
Spotted sandpipers are 7.1-7.9 in (18-20 cm) long. It weighs 1.2-1.8 oz (34-50 g). It has a wingspan of 14.6-15.8 in (37-40 cm). Adults have short yellowish legs and an orange bill with a dark tip. The body is brown on top and white underneath with black spots.

 Distribution 
They breed near fresh water across most of Canada and the United States. They migrate to the southern United States, the Caribbean, and South America. They are very rare in western Europe.

 Feeding 
They eat insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates.

 Reproduction 
Spotted sandpipers nest on the ground. During the breeding season, females may mate with more than one male, leaving them to incubate the egg. This is called polyandry.

References

Category:Scolopacidae
Category:Birds of North America
Category:Birds of South America