Terek Sandpiper

1. Long, upturned bill with orange at the base and a dark tip

2. Short, bright orange legs

3. Prominent white trailing edge on the wings in flight

Terek Sandpipers breed in the taiga and forest-tundra zones of northern Eurasia, migrating to Australia and other parts of the southern hemisphere for the non-breeding season, arriving in Australia by August and depart by April or May. They are active, versatile feeders, using their upturned bills to probe, peck, and sweep through shallow water and mud for small crabs, crustaceans, insects, and worms. Their foraging behaviour is fast-paced and often involves sudden changes of direction. Males and females look alike. The species is known for its strong site fidelity, with individuals returning to the same coastal locations year after year.

Terek Sandpipers favour sheltered coastal habitats such as tidal mudflats, mangrove swamps, sandy beaches, and estuaries. In Australia, they are most commonly found along the northern and eastern coasts, especially in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern Western Australia, with scattered records further south. They are often seen feeding briskly at dawn and dusk, either alone or in small groups, and are known for their lively, erratic movements as they chase prey across the mud.