Shorebirds | Charadriiformes

Shorebirds | Charadriiformes

Description
Description

Shorebirds, belonging to the order Charadriiformes, are a diverse group of birds commonly found along shorelines and mudflats worldwide. They range from the familiar gulls and terns to plovers, sandpipers, and avocets. Adapted to coastal and wetland habitats, these birds typically have long legs and beaks for wading and probing into sand or water for invertebrates. Their evolution dates back to the Cretaceous period, with fossils indicating a wide dispersal. Shorebirds exhibit varied breeding and migratory behaviors, with some species undertaking remarkable long-distance migrations. Their presence is often indicative of healthy ecosystems, making them crucial for biodiversity and ecological monitoring.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Shorebirds are characterized by slender bodies, long legs, and often long, pointed beaks designed for foraging in mud or sand. Their legs and necks are typically elongated, aiding in wading through water. Many have sensitive beaks to detect prey hidden beneath surfaces. Their wings are generally strong and pointed, suited for long migratory flights. While not known for melodious songs, shorebirds communicate through calls and displays, particularly during breeding season. They have keen vision, vital for spotting predators and prey. Adapted to their habitats, their plumage often blends with sandy or rocky environments, providing camouflage from predators.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Humans have a multifaceted relationship with shorebirds. Historically, these birds have been hunted for food and sport, and their feathers were once highly prized in fashion. Today, shorebirds feature in art, literature, and birdwatching activities, enhancing human appreciation for nature.

Globally, conservation initiatives like habitat protection, pollution reduction, and migratory bird treaties are crucial, as many shorebird species face threats from human activities leading to habitat loss and climate change. Organizations and volunteers often participate in annual counts and monitoring, contributing to conservation efforts and raising awareness about the importance of preserving these avian wonders and their habitats.

Common Questions
Common Questions
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.

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
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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Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Eurasian Woodcock to other species of shorebirds

The Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) is a wading bird that occupies temperate and subarctic Eurasia. Northern and Asian populations travel to southern Europe or the Indian Subcontinent in the winter, but birds in milder western European countries and on Atlantic islands are not migratory. Their reddish-brown upperparts and buff-colored underparts serve as camouflage to suit their woodland habitat. Other traits are rounded wings, a flesh-colored bill with a dark tip, gray to pink legs, and large eyes set far back on the head for 360-vision. The species is most active at dawn and dusk when they forage for earthworms, insects, and some plant seeds.

The Eurasian Woodcock has a wingspan in the range of 21.7”-23.6” (55-60 cm) and total weight of .51-.93 lb (.23-.42 kg). The body of the Eurasian Woodcock has an overall length between 13”-15” (33-38 cm), body width of 3”-3.5” (7.5-9 cm), and standing height of roughly 7.5”-8.7” (19-22 cm). The typical lifespan of the Eurasian Woodcock is between 10-15.5 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Eurasian Woodcock in various poses with dimensions
The Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) is a wading bird that occupies temperate and subarctic Eurasia. Northern and Asian populations travel to southern Europe or the Indian Subcontinent in the winter, but birds in milder western European countries and on Atlantic islands are not migratory.

The Eurasian Woodcock has a wingspan in the range of 21.7”-23.6” (55-60 cm) and total weight of .51-.93 lb (.23-.42 kg). The body of the Eurasian Woodcock has an overall length between 13”-15” (33-38 cm), body width of 3”-3.5” (7.5-9 cm), and standing height of roughly 7.5”-8.7” (19-22 cm). The typical lifespan of the Eurasian Woodcock is between 10-15.5 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Eurasian Woodcock in various poses with dimensions
Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)
Height:
7.5”-8.7” | 19-22 cm
Width:
21.7”-23.6” | 55-60 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
13”-15” | 33-38 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.51-.93 lb | .23-.42 kg
Area:

Body Width: 3”-3.5” | 7.5-9 cm

Scientific Name
Scolopax rusticola
Lifespan
10-15.5 years

Drawings include:

Eurasian Woodcock side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana)
Scale illustration of an average Wattled Jacana compared to other shorebird species

The Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana) is a tropical shorebird that breeds from western Panama and Trinidad south through most of South America east of the Andes. Their preferred habitat is shallow lakes, as their large feet and claws enable them to walk on floating vegetation. The species is recognized by their chestnut back and wing coverts. The rest of the body is black, and in flight the green-yellow flight feathers are obvious; they also have yellow bony spurs, a yellow bill, a red head shield, and a red wattle. The Wattled Jacana eats mostly insects, other invertebrates, and seeds picked up from the floating vegetation on the surface of the water.

The Wattled Jacana has a wingspan in the range of 15.75”-20.1” (40-51 cm) and total weight of .19-.32 lb (.085-.145 kg). The body of the Wattled Jacana has an overall length between 8.3”-9.8” (21-25 cm), body width of 3.1”-3.9” (8-10 cm), and standing height of roughly 9.6”-11.4” (24.5-29 cm). The typical lifespan of the Wattled Jacana is between 3-6.5 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Wattled Jacana
The Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana) is a tropical shorebird that breeds from western Panama and Trinidad south through most of South America east of the Andes. Their preferred habitat is shallow lakes, as their large feet and claws enable them to walk on floating vegetation.

The Wattled Jacana has a wingspan in the range of 15.75”-20.1” (40-51 cm) and total weight of .19-.32 lb (.085-.145 kg). The body of the Wattled Jacana has an overall length between 8.3”-9.8” (21-25 cm), body width of 3.1”-3.9” (8-10 cm), and standing height of roughly 9.6”-11.4” (24.5-29 cm). The typical lifespan of the Wattled Jacana is between 3-6.5 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Wattled Jacana
Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana)
Height:
9.6”-11.4” | 24.5-29 cm
Width:
15.75”-20.1” | 40-51 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
8.3”-9.8” | 21-25 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.19-.32 lb | .085-.145 kg
Area:

Body Width: 3.1”-3.9” | 8-10 cm

Scientific Name
Jacana jacana
Lifespan
3-6.5 years

Drawings include:

Wattled Jacana side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Plains Wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Plains Wanderer to other species of shorebirds

The Plains-Wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) is a bird endemic to Australia, and most of the remaining population is found in the Riverina region of New South Wales. The bird is described to be quail-like. Adult males are light brown with fawn-white underparts with black crescents; adult females are larger than males, and they have a distinctive white-spotted black collar. Their camouflage allows them to be well hidden, and they will run as opposed to flying. The population has been declining due to the conversion of native grasslands and with predation of the species by the fox.

The Plains Wanderer has a wingspan in the range of 11”-14.2” (28-36 cm) and total weight of .09-.21 lb (.04-.095 kg). The body of the Plains Wanderer has an overall length between 5.9”-7.5” (15-19 cm), body width of 2”-2.6” (5-6.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.5”-7.1” (14-18 cm). The typical lifespan of the Plains Wanderer is between 3-13.5 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Plains Wanderer in various poses with dimensions
The Plains-Wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) is a bird endemic to Australia, and most of the remaining population is found in the Riverina region of New South Wales. The bird is described to be quail-like. Adult males are light brown with fawn-white underparts with black crescents.

The Plains Wanderer has a wingspan in the range of 11”-14.2” (28-36 cm) and total weight of .09-.21 lb (.04-.095 kg). The body of the Plains Wanderer has an overall length between 5.9”-7.5” (15-19 cm), body width of 2”-2.6” (5-6.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.5”-7.1” (14-18 cm). The typical lifespan of the Plains Wanderer is between 3-13.5 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Plains Wanderer in various poses with dimensions
Plains Wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus)
Height:
5.5”-7.1” | 14-18 cm
Width:
11”-14.2” | 28-36 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
5.9”-7.5” | 15-19 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.09-.21 lb | .04-.095 kg
Area:

Body Width: 2”-2.6” | 5-6.5 cm

Scientific Name
Pedionomus torquatus
Lifespan
3-13.5 years

Drawings include:

Plains Wanderer 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)

Downloads

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