Sandpipers, Curlews, Stints, Godwits, Snipes, and Phalaropes

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
The Scolopacidae are a large diverse family of small to medium sized shorebirds including the Sandpipers, Curlews, Godwits, Shanks, Tattlers, Woodcocks, Snipes, Dowitchers and Phalaropes. The majority of species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Different lengths of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 34 Michigan species.

American Woodcock, Scolopax minor

Baird’s Sandpiper, Calidris bairdii

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Tryngites subruficollis
Curlew Sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea

Dunlin, Calidris alpina

Greater Yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca

Hudsonian Godwit, Limosa haemastica

Least Sandpiper, Calidris minutilla

Lesser Yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes

Long-billed Dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus

Marbled Godwit, Limosa fedoa

Pectoral Sandpiper, Calidris melanotos

Purple Sandpiper, Calidris maritima