Birds of North America

Shorebirds

Charadriidae, Haematopodidae, Jacanidae, Recurvirostridae & Scolopacidae

Lives, Habitats & Pictures of the Shorebirds

There are at least fifty species of shorebirds in North America, not including the vagrants, that are blown off course during high winds or storms, and others that just happen to drop in for a short visit. These birds vary in size, ranging from the small 6" Least Sandpiper, to the 24" Long-billed Curlew, the largest species in the shorebird families.

These birds are found throughout North America, almost all of them can be seen along the water's edge of our lands. Some prefer salt water, and can only be seen on the sandy and rocky coastlines of the oceans and mudflats, while others may be found feeding in salt water and fresh water, depending on the season. Still, others may only be found in pastures, such as the Upland Sandpiper.

Shorebirds are among the most difficult birds to identify. Some species are quite similar to other species and their calls are the only true way to identify one from the other. Most of these birds will change from a colourful plumage in their breeding season to dull greys and browns in the fall and winter months.


Below is a list of each bird type and the number of species in each bird family that are more likely to be seen in or near shorelines. Images of some of these birds can be seen further down;

Click on the bird names listed below to see pictures of Shorebirds

Return Shorebirds back to Birds of North America

Classic Collection of North American Birds

CCNAB