February

Marsh Sandpiper is a medium-sized wader. It usually appears in Hong Kong as a spring and autumn passage migrant and also as a winter visitor. It mainly visits mudflats and shallow water areas, and frequently appears with other sandpipers.

New birders may sometimes find it difficult to distinguish Marsh Sandpiper from other sandpipers. Apparently, Marsh Sandpiper looks like a Common Greenshank. Their upperparts are both covered by brownish grey plumage, and both have a pair of long legs and a long beak. Upon comparison, you will soon find out that Marsh Sandpiper is notably smaller, and the beak of Common Greenshank is slightly up-curved, while that of Marsh Sandpiper is as straight and narrow as a needle. This feature is very distinctive and can be used to distinguish it from other sandpipers.

Marsh Sandpiper is an active forager. You can often see it moving quickly through shallow water or wet mud, using its slender beak to probe for food. It likes to catch small preys like insects, small fishes, molluscs and crustaceans. It is often seen singly or in small groups, but they may also gather into large groups in suitable habitats.

Next time when you visit Wetland Park, see if you can find the Marsh Sandpiper from our Mudflat Hide!