What Do You Know About Spoon-billed Sandpiper?

A breeding Spoon-Billed Sandpiper can be 16 cm long.

The Spoon-Billed Sandpiper is currently classified as critically endangered. This means that the species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. The population of Spoon-Billed Sandpipers has been declining rapidly due to habitat loss, hunting, and other threats. Conservation efforts are being made to protect and restore their habitats, as well as to raise awareness about the importance of preserving this unique bird species.

During breeding, the Spoon-Billed Sandpiper is likely to be seen in a reddish brown color. This coloration is common among many bird species during their breeding season, as it helps them blend in with their environment and attract mates. The reddish brown plumage may also serve as a form of camouflage, allowing the sandpiper to hide among the vegetation in its breeding grounds. Overall, the reddish brown color is a characteristic feature of the Spoon-Billed Sandpiper during its breeding period.

During their non-breeding periods, birds often molt their vibrant breeding plumage and adopt a more subdued and camouflaged appearance. Grey is a commonly observed color during this time as it helps the birds blend into their surroundings and remain inconspicuous. This adaptive coloration allows them to avoid predators and conserve energy while not actively breeding.

The most unique feature of the Spoon-Billed Sandpiper is its spatulate bill. A spatulate bill is a bill that is shaped like a spoon, with a broad and flattened tip. This adaptation allows the sandpiper to easily sift through mud and shallow water to find small invertebrates and other food sources. This bill shape is not commonly seen in other bird species, making it a distinctive characteristic of the Spoon-Billed Sandpiper.

The Spoon-Billed Sandpiper is predominantly found on the sea shore. This species of sandpiper is known for its unique spoon-shaped bill, which it uses to sift through the sand and mud in search of food. The sea shore provides the ideal habitat for these birds, as it offers a diverse range of food sources such as small invertebrates and crustaceans. Additionally, the sea shore provides suitable nesting grounds for the Spoon-Billed Sandpiper, as they prefer to breed in coastal areas with marshes and wetlands nearby.

The Spoon-Billed Sandpiper takes 23 days to completely incubate its eggs. Incubation is the process in which the parent bird sits on the eggs to keep them warm until they hatch. This period of incubation is crucial for the development of the embryos inside the eggs. The duration of incubation can vary among different bird species, and in the case of the Spoon-Billed Sandpiper, it takes 23 days for this process to be completed.

In November 2011, the Spoon-Billed Sandpiper was taken for a breeding program in Slimbridge. This suggests that the sandpiper was selected and transported to Slimbridge for the purpose of breeding. The number 13 indicates the specific month in which this event took place.

The bird species was first described in 1758.

A baby Spoon-Billed Sandpiper is called a chick. This term is commonly used to refer to the young of various bird species, including sandpipers. It is a common and widely recognized term in ornithology and birdwatching. The term "kid" is more commonly associated with young goats, while "swan" refers to the young of swans specifically. "Lillet" is not a recognized term for the young of any bird species.