Shorebirds | Charadriiformes

Shorebirds are birds classified under order Charadriiformes usually inhabiting wetland areas of both freshwater and saltwater. This is where they spend most of their time and life whether it is for food, breeding, or nesting. Since they can be found in all the seven continents, they differ largely in physical attributes with different shorebirds having unique body shapes, body length, and leg length. Most Charadriiformes migrate from one region to another. Additionally, they are normally found in large flocks either during the cold seasons or breeding. These birds feed on invertebrates and plant materials like algae. Even though the Charadriiformes are wild birds, they are usually hunted for their meat, oil, eggs, and feathers.

Where do shorebirds live?

Shorebirds typically live in a variety of environments that include the coastal, saline, and freshwater wetlands, as well as flooded agricultural fields. Other environments in which shorebirds live include interior grasslands and the arctic tundra. Shorebirds are known for being migrators and are capable of traveling thousands of miles.

What do shorebirds eat?

Generally, shorebirds eat a range of aquatic insects including water boatmen, backswimmers, giant water bugs, crane flies, and water beetles. Shorebirds also eat crustaceans and other aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates like grasshoppers and earthworms and fishes like smelt or dace. Shorebirds also consume reptiles, amphibians, and plants like grasses and wild berries.

How do shorebirds help the ecosystem?

Shorebirds help the ecosystem by taking the role of being a predator of invertebrates and small vertebrates helping regulate the aquatic, benthic, and infaunal communities. Shorebirds also help the ecosystem by taking the role of cycling as well as transporting nutrients from foraging grounds to roosting and nesting localities.

Shorebirds Guides
Browse through our curated Shorebirds Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Shorebirds. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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13.4”-17.7” | 34-45 cm
26.8”-29.9” | 68-76 cm (Wingspan)
15.75”-20.1” | 40-51 cm
.6-.93 lb | .27-.42 kg
9-15 years
American Avocet
45.000
76.000
51.000
0.420
15.00
2940
GUIDE
3D
American Avocet
47.2”-57” | 120-145 cm
51.2”-65” | 130-165 cm (Wingspan)
47.2”-57” | 120-145 cm
4.85-7.94 lb | 2.2-3.6 kg
20-50 years
American Flamingo
145.000
165.000
145.000
3.600
50.00
8100
GUIDE
3D
American Flamingo
9.8”-11” | 25-28 cm
31.9”-35” | 81-89 cm (Wingspan)
15.75”-17.3” | 40-44 cm
.88-1.54 lb | .4-.7 kg
10-17 years
American Oystercatcher
28.000
89.000
44.000
0.700
17.00
3100
GUIDE
3D
American Oystercatcher
12.6”-15” | 32-38 cm
27.6”-32.3” | 70-82 cm (Wingspan)
14.6”-17.3” | 37-44 cm
.42-.88 lb | .19-.4 kg
10-24 years
Black-Tailed Godwit
38.000
82.000
44.000
0.400
24.00
1000
GUIDE
3D
Black-Tailed Godwit
15.75”-19.1” | 40-48.5 cm
28”-32.7” | 71-83 cm (Wingspan)
13”-15.75” | 33-40 cm
.33-.44 lb | .15-.2 kg
10-20 years
Black-Winged Stilt
48.500
83.000
40.000
0.200
20.00
1150
GUIDE
3D
Black-Winged Stilt
4.5”-5.7” | 11.5-14.5 cm
13.8”-15.75” | 35-40 cm (Wingspan)
7.5”-9.4” | 19-24 cm
.09-.13 lb | .04-.06 kg
10-15 years
Common Sandpiper
14.500
40.000
24.000
0.060
15.00
5700
GUIDE
3D
Common Sandpiper
4.7”-5.3” | 12-13.5 cm
15.75”-18.5” | 40-47 cm (Wingspan)
9.8”-11” | 25-28 cm
.18-.4 lb | .08-.18 kg
10-18 years
Common Snipe
13.500
47.000
28.000
0.180
18.00
6500
GUIDE
3D
Common Snipe
7.5”-8.7” | 19-22 cm
21.7”-23.6” | 55-60 cm (Wingspan)
13”-15” | 33-38 cm
.51-.93 lb | .23-.42 kg
10-15.5 years
Eurasian Woodcock
22.000
60.000
38.000
0.420
15.50
2000
GUIDE
3D
Eurasian Woodcock
43.3”-59” | 110-150 cm
55.1”-66.9” | 140-170 cm (Wingspan)
43.3”-59” | 110-150 cm
4.4-9.9 lb | 2-4.5 kg
30-60 years
Greater Flamingo
150.000
170.000
150.000
4.500
60.00
18300
GUIDE
3D
Greater Flamingo
5.7”-6.7” | 14.5-17 cm
18.9”-20.1” | 48-51 cm (Wingspan)
9.1”-10.6” | 23-27 cm
.18-.26 lb | .08-.12 kg
13-15 years
Grey-Tailed Tattler
17.000
51.000
27.000
0.120
15.00
140
GUIDE
3D
Grey-Tailed Tattler
7.7”-8.5” | 19.5-21.5 cm
27.6”-29.5” | 70-75 cm (Wingspan)
15”-16.5” | 38-42 cm
.6-.71 lb | .27-.32 kg
15-26 years
Ibisbill
21.500
75.000
42.000
0.320
26.00
70
GUIDE
3D
Ibisbill
5.9”-7.9” | 15-20 cm
18.1”-18.9” | 46-48 cm (Wingspan)
7.9”-10.6” | 20-27 cm
.17-.28 lb | .075-.128 kg
10-12 years
Killdeer
20.000
48.000
27.000
0.128
12.00
42250
GUIDE
3D
Killdeer
5.1”-7.3” | 13-18.5 cm
18.9”-20.1” | 48-51 cm (Wingspan)
6.7”-9.4” | 17-24 cm
.19-.32 lb | .087-.145 kg
3-6.5 years
Northern Jacana
18.500
51.000
24.000
0.145
6.50
2950
GUIDE
3D
Northern Jacana
5.5”-7.1” | 14-18 cm
11”-14.2” | 28-36 cm (Wingspan)
5.9”-7.5” | 15-19 cm
.09-.21 lb | .04-.095 kg
3-13.5 years
Plains Wanderer
18.000
36.000
19.000
0.095
13.50
1140
GUIDE
3D
Plains Wanderer
4.3”-4.9” | 11-12.5 cm
18.9”-22.4” | 48-57 cm (Wingspan)
6.7”-7.9” | 17-20 cm
.11-.17 lb | .05-.075 kg
5-10 years
Ringed Plover
12.500
57.000
20.000
0.075
10.00
2700
GUIDE
3D
Ringed Plover
6.7”-9.25” | 17-23.5 cm
17.7”-22” | 45-56 cm (Wingspan)
9.1”-12.6” | 23-32 cm
.14-.39 lb | .065-.154 kg
7-13 years
Short-Billed Dowitcher
23.500
56.000
32.000
0.154
13.00
1250
GUIDE
3D
Short-Billed Dowitcher
12.2”-14.8” | 31-37.5 cm
22”-27.6” | 56-70 cm (Wingspan)
12.6”-15” | 32-38 cm
.55-.94 lb | .25-.425 kg
10-13 years
Southern Lapwing
37.500
70.000
38.000
0.425
13.00
4700
GUIDE
3D
Southern Lapwing
9.6”-11.4” | 24.5-29 cm
15.75”-20.1” | 40-51 cm (Wingspan)
8.3”-9.8” | 21-25 cm
.19-.32 lb | .085-.145 kg
3-6.5 years
Wattled Jacana
29.000
51.000
25.000
0.145
6.50
2000
GUIDE
3D
Wattled Jacana
Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)
Comparison drawing of the Common Snipe compared to other shorebirds

The Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) is a small and stocky shorebird that inhabits marshes, bogs, tundra, and wet meadows throughout the Palearctic. As migratory birds, the birds that live in Europe move to southern and western Europe and Africa south to the Equator; birds that occupy Asia move to tropical southern Asia in the winter. They are well camouflaged with short, green-gray legs. The bill is dark and straight, and the body is mottled brown with straw-yellow stripes on top. They stay close to the ground and mainly eat insects, earthworms, and some plants.

The Common Snipe has a wingspan in the range of 15.75”-18.5” (40-47 cm) and total weight of .18-.4 lb (.08-.18 kg). The body of the Common Snipe has an overall length between 9.8”-11” (25-28 cm), body width of 2.6”-3” (6.5-7.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 4.7”-5.3” (12-13.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Snipe is between 10-18 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Common Snipe
The Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) is a small and stocky shorebird that inhabits marshes, bogs, tundra, and wet meadows throughout the Palearctic. As migratory birds, the birds that live in Europe move to southern and western Europe and Africa south to the Equator.

The Common Snipe has a wingspan in the range of 15.75”-18.5” (40-47 cm) and total weight of .18-.4 lb (.08-.18 kg). The body of the Common Snipe has an overall length between 9.8”-11” (25-28 cm), body width of 2.6”-3” (6.5-7.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 4.7”-5.3” (12-13.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Snipe is between 10-18 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Common Snipe
Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)
Height:
4.7”-5.3” | 12-13.5 cm
Width:
15.75”-18.5” | 40-47 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
9.8”-11” | 25-28 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.18-.4 lb | .08-.18 kg
Area:

Body Width: 2.6”-3” | 6.5-7.5 cm

Scientific Name
Gallinago gallinago
Lifespan
10-18 years

Drawings include:

Common Snipe side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
Scale illustration of an average Killdeer compared to other shorebird species

The Killdeer (Charadrius vociferous) is a shorebird that lives in the Americas. There are three subspecies from southeastern Alaska and southern Canada to Mexico. They choose open fields with short vegetation when breeding, and non-breeding habitats include coastal wetlands, beach habitats, and coastal fields. Some physical traits are mostly brown upperparts with rufous fringes, head with white and back patches, and a white breast and belly with two black breast bands. They mostly forage in fields during the day, but in non-breeding season, the species primarily forages at night; their diet consists mostly of insects, but other invertebrates and seeds are consumed.

The Killdeer has a wingspan in the range of 18.1”-18.9” (46-48 cm) and total weight of .17-.28 lb (.075-.128 kg). The body of the Killdeer has an overall length between 7.9”-10.6” (20-27 cm), body width of 3”-3.9” (7.5-10 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.9”-7.9” (15-20 cm). The typical lifespan of the Killdeer is between 10-12 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Killdeer
The Killdeer (Charadrius vociferous) is a shorebird that lives in the Americas. There are three subspecies from southeastern Alaska and southern Canada to Mexico. They choose open fields with short vegetation when breeding, and non-breeding habitats include coastal wetlands and beach habitats.

The Killdeer has a wingspan in the range of 18.1”-18.9” (46-48 cm) and total weight of .17-.28 lb (.075-.128 kg). The body of the Killdeer has an overall length between 7.9”-10.6” (20-27 cm), body width of 3”-3.9” (7.5-10 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.9”-7.9” (15-20 cm). The typical lifespan of the Killdeer is between 10-12 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Killdeer
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
Height:
5.9”-7.9” | 15-20 cm
Width:
18.1”-18.9” | 46-48 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
7.9”-10.6” | 20-27 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.17-.28 lb | .075-.128 kg
Area:

Body Width: 3”-3.9” | 7.5-10 cm

Scientific Name
Charadrius vociferus
Lifespan
10-12 years

Drawings include:

Killdeer side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
Scale illustration of an average Common Sandpiper compared to other shorebird species

The Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) is a small Palearctic shorebird and a sister species of the Spotted Sandpiper. They like to breed in temperate and subtropical Europe and Asia, and during migration season the species travels to Africa, southern Asia, and Australia. Using sight, they forage for food on the ground or in shallow water, and they mainly eat insects, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. They are characterized by their gray-brown coloration with white underparts, short and dark-yellowish legs and feet, and a pale bill with a dark tip. In the winter they have a duller plumage.

The Common Sandpiper has a wingspan in the range of 13.8”-15.75” (35-40 cm) and total weight of .09-.13 lb (.04-.06 kg). The body of the Common Sandpiper has an overall length between 7.5”-9.4” (19-24 cm), body width of 2.2”-2.75” (5.5-7 cm), and standing height of roughly 4.5”-5.7” (11.5-14.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Sandpiper is between 10-15 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Common Sandpiper
The Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) is a small Palearctic shorebird and a sister species of the Spotted Sandpiper. They like to breed in temperate and subtropical Europe and Asia, and during migration season the species travels to Africa, southern Asia, and Australia.

The Common Sandpiper has a wingspan in the range of 13.8”-15.75” (35-40 cm) and total weight of .09-.13 lb (.04-.06 kg). The body of the Common Sandpiper has an overall length between 7.5”-9.4” (19-24 cm), body width of 2.2”-2.75” (5.5-7 cm), and standing height of roughly 4.5”-5.7” (11.5-14.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Sandpiper is between 10-15 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Common Sandpiper
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
Height:
4.5”-5.7” | 11.5-14.5 cm
Width:
13.8”-15.75” | 35-40 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
7.5”-9.4” | 19-24 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.09-.13 lb | .04-.06 kg
Area:

Body Width: 2.2”-2.75” | 5.5-7 cm

Scientific Name
Actitis hypoleucos
Lifespan
10-15 years

Drawings include:

Common Sandpiper side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Short-Billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus)
Comparison drawing of the Short-billed Dowitcher compared to other shorebirds

The Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) is a migratory shorebird that lives in North America, Central America, the Carribbean, and northern South America. In the north the species prefers to live in the tundra, and in the south they occupy ponds and mudflats. They eat mostly invertebrates which are obtained by rapidly probing their bills in a sewing fashion into mud. Physically, the adult Short-billed Dowitcher is dark brown on top and red underneath. The tail is black and white with a barred pattern, and the legs are yellow. In winter the plumage is mostly gray.

The Short-billed Dowitcher has a wingspan in the range of 17.7”-22” (45-56 cm) and total weight of .14-.39 lb (.065-.154 kg). The body of the Short-billed Dowitcher has an overall length between 9.1”-12.6” (23-32 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.9” (7-10 cm), and standing height of roughly 6.7”-9.25” (17-23.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Short-billed Dowitcher is between 7-13 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Short-billed Dowitcher
The Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) is a migratory shorebird that lives in North America, Central America, the Carribbean, and northern South America. In the north the species prefers to live in the tundra, and in the south they occupy ponds and mudflats.

The Short-billed Dowitcher has a wingspan in the range of 17.7”-22” (45-56 cm) and total weight of .14-.39 lb (.065-.154 kg). The body of the Short-billed Dowitcher has an overall length between 9.1”-12.6” (23-32 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.9” (7-10 cm), and standing height of roughly 6.7”-9.25” (17-23.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Short-billed Dowitcher is between 7-13 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Short-billed Dowitcher
Short-Billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus)
Height:
6.7”-9.25” | 17-23.5 cm
Width:
17.7”-22” | 45-56 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
9.1”-12.6” | 23-32 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.14-.39 lb | .065-.154 kg
Area:

Body Width: 2.75”-3.9” | 7-10 cm

Scientific Name
Limnodromus griseus
Lifespan
7-13 years

Drawings include:

Short-billed Dowitcher side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa)
Comparison drawing of the Northern Jacana compared to other shorebirds

The Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa) is a wetland bird that breeds from coastal Mexico to western Panama, and on Cuba, Jamaica, and the Caribbean. They can sometimes be found in Texas and Arizona in the United States. Their large feet and claws allow them to walk on floating vegetation in shallow lakes. Other characteristics are its dark brown body with black head and neck, bill with yellow patches, forehead with a yellow wattle, and bill with a white base. They consume insects on the surface of vegetation, and they also eat snails, worms, small crabs, fish, mollusks, and seeds.

The Northern Jacana has a wingspan in the range of 18.9”-20.1” (48-51 cm) and total weight of .19-.32 lb (.087-.145 kg). The body of the Northern Jacana has an overall length between 6.7”-9.4” (17-24 cm), body width of 1.6”-2.4” (4-6 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.1”-7.3” (13-18.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Northern Jacana is between 3-6.5 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Northern Jacana
The Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa) is a wetland bird that breeds from coastal Mexico to western Panama, and on Cuba, Jamaica, and the Caribbean. They can sometimes be found in Texas and Arizona in the United States. Their large feet and claws allow them to walk on floating vegetation.

The Northern Jacana has a wingspan in the range of 18.9”-20.1” (48-51 cm) and total weight of .19-.32 lb (.087-.145 kg). The body of the Northern Jacana has an overall length between 6.7”-9.4” (17-24 cm), body width of 1.6”-2.4” (4-6 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.1”-7.3” (13-18.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Northern Jacana is between 3-6.5 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Northern Jacana
Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa)
Height:
5.1”-7.3” | 13-18.5 cm
Width:
18.9”-20.1” | 48-51 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
6.7”-9.4” | 17-24 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.19-.32 lb | .087-.145 kg
Area:

Body Width: 1.6”-2.4” | 4-6 cm

Scientific Name
Jacana spinosa
Lifespan
3-6.5 years

Drawings include:

Northern Jacana side view, front, flying (assorted)

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