photographs by Douglas Herr

Sacramento County: Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius)

Field identification tips: A very distinctive shorebird, the Spotted Sandpiper's (Actitis macularius) spotted breeding plumage and tail-bobbing habit make it difficult to miss. Typical range: In North America this bird's breeding range extends from much of the Lower 48 states north nearly to the arctic ocean; wintertime finds these birds in the southern states south to the Caribbean Islands and most of South America. Habitat: A fresh water bird, A. macularius can be found along the shores of lakes, streams and rivers.