Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Irish Name: Gobadán broinn-donnbhuí
Scientific name: Tryngites subruficollis
Bird Family: Waders
green
Conservation status

Status

A rare vagrant to the south and west coasts from July to October.

Identification

Buff-breasted Sandpipers look very similar to juvenile Ruff. In comparison to Ruff, Buff-breasted Sandpiper is slightly smaller, has a shorter bill and has an all dark rump. The eyes also appear larger, giving the bird a "kinder" expression. Otherwise has buffy brown coloured head and body, with a neat scaly pattern on the back and wings.

Voice

Generally silent when seen in Ireland.

Diet

Mainly worms and other insects.

Breeding

Does not breed in Ireland. Buff-breasted Sandpipers breed in the extreme north of Alaska and Canada.

Wintering

On the Pampas of northern Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.

Similar Species

Ruff

Irish Name:
Rufachán
Scientific name:
Philomachus pugnax
Bird Family:
Sandpipers