Purple Sandpiper

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The Purple Sandpiper is a hardy shorebird well-adapted to cold coastal environments. Unlike many sandpipers, it prefers rocky shorelines and jetties, often braving harsh winter weather.

Where to spot

Breeds in the high Arctic of North America and Eurasia. Winters primarily on rocky coasts, jetties, and breakwaters along the temperate and sub-Arctic coasts of the North Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

How to spot

Focus on their habitat choice: rocky shores rather than sandy beaches or mudflats. Look for their dark, mottled plumage with a purplish sheen (especially on the back), relatively short yellow legs, and a medium-length, slightly drooped bill.

When to spot

Best observed during the non-breeding season, from autumn through spring, when they are found on their favored rocky shorelines. They are rarely seen during summer in their breeding grounds.

Where to spot

Breeds in the high Arctic of North America and Eurasia. Winters primarily on rocky coasts, jetties, and breakwaters along the temperate and sub-Arctic coasts of the North Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

How to spot

When to spot

Best observed during the non-breeding season, from autumn through spring, when they are found on their favored rocky shorelines. They are rarely seen during summer in their breeding grounds.

Credits: AidanSemmens

Credits: Canadian-Nature-Visions

Purple Sandpipers are exceptionally tolerant of cold weather, often remaining in their northern non-breeding grounds long after other shorebirds have migrated south, feeding among ice-covered rocks.

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