Short Billed Dowitcher

About This Species

A medium-sized shorebird with a long, straight bill. In breeding plumage shows rusty underparts. Feeds with rapid sewing machine-like probing action.

Fun Facts

• Sewing machine feeding: Rapidly probes mud with bill in a distinctive up-and-down motion.
• Nearly identical twin: Extremely similar to Long-billed Dowitcher; often best separated by call and subtle plumage differences.
• Tactile forager: Uses sensitive bill tip to feel for prey items buried in mud.
• Coastal preference: More likely to be found in coastal habitats than its Long-billed cousin.