Shorebirds

Information about Shorebirds/Waders:

Shorebirds – called ‘Waders’ outside of North America – are very widespread and inhabit every continent save for Antarctica. They are long-legged most often found in swampy, wetlands area or coastal areas where there is slow moving or stagnant water where they can hunt for prey. Shorebirds feed on nearly any animal they can find in the shallows, such as fish, crustaceans, snails, frogs, snakes and insects.

These birds vary greatly in size, from the tiny Least Sandpiper – which is a mere 5 inches (13 cm) long to herons that can be several feet tall. There is some discussion as to what birds fit into this category, but generally it includes snipes, sandpipers, avocets, herons, oystercatchers, cranes and storks. Shorebirds are some of the greatest migrants in the world, often traveling thousands of miles in a year to reach breed areas. In many locations, shorebird populations are declining due to the disappearance or pollution of the wetlands they depend upon.