Wood Sandpiper

Wood sandpipers are far-ranging migrants native across the Palearctic, Oriental, African, and Australian regions. Their breeding distribution extends across northern Eurasia from Siberia toward Scotland. They inhabit taiga wetlands, marshes, swamps, wet heath, streams, ponds, temporary pools, and brackish waters. The upperparts are spotted, while the pale breast and neck carry brown streaks. A prominent white eyebrow extends behind the eye. Adults measure approximately 19–21 centimetres and average about 159 grams (Animal Diversity Web).

These sandpipers eat molluscs, earthworms, arthropods, crustaceans, small fish, spiders, frogs, midge larvae, seeds, grain, nuts, and algae. Breeding occurs from May to mid-July, although birds may occupy nesting habitat by late April. Pairs are monogamous and territorial, dispersing across boreal forests, marshes, heathlands, and scrub rather than forming dense colonies. Males use their plumage and display behavior to attract females, after which each pair occupies and defends its own breeding area (Animal Diversity Web).