Range: Mainly Canada and n.-cent. and e. U.S.  Winters on pampas of Argentina.

Habitat: Mid- and tall-grass prairies, open meadows, fields, airports, and freshly mowd or plowed fields.  Declining.

Size: 11 1/2" (29 cm)

Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda)

Description: A brown "pigeon-headed" sandpiper; larger than a Killdeer.  Short bill, small head, large eyes, thin neck, and long tail are helpful marks.  Erect posture.  On nesting grounds, often perches on fence posts or poles, holding wings elevated upon alighting.

Voice: A mellow liquid quidi-quit.  Song a tremulous cascade of yodeling whistles: whoooleeee, wheeelooooooo.

Description from A Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North America Fifth Edition by Roger Tory Peterson and Virginia Marie Peterson.

Photographs copyright Roger Tory Peterson

For permission to use these photos contact Jim Berry: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .