Justification This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is extremely large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Family/Sub-family Scolopacidae

Species name author Linnaeus, 1758

Taxonomic source(s) AERC TAC (2003), AOU checklist (1998 + supplements), Christidis and Boles (1994), Christidis and Boles (2008), Cramp and Simmons (1977-1994), Dowsett and Forbes-Watson (1993), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Turbott (1990)

Synonyms Tringa hypoleucos Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Tringa hypoleucos Cramp and Simmons (1977-1994), Tringa hypoleucos Turbott (1990)

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

2,600,000 - 3,200,000

unset

25,900,000 km²

No

Important Bird Areas Click here to view map showing IBAs where species is recorded and triggers any of the IBA criteria.

Ecology: Behaviour This species is a full migrant, migrating at night overland on a broad front across both deserts and mountains¹. Small numbers may also remain in the northern maritime climatic zone (e.g. the British Isles, Mediterranean and Japan) throughout the year^{1, 2}. The European population that overwinters in West Africa migrates south between mid-July and August (juveniles following one month later), and returns to the breeding grounds from late-March to April^{1, 2}. Immature individuals may also remain in the winter range throughout the summer breeding season². The species breeds from May to June in scattered single pairs 60-70 m apart in optimal breeding habitat¹, and migrates singly or in small flocks¹, although it usually remains solitary in its winter range³. It forages diurnally¹ and may aggregate at night⁴ into roosts of over 100 individuals¹. Habitat Breeding During the breeding season this species shows a preference for pebbly, sandy or rocky margins of fast-flowing rivers^{1, 2}, as well as small ponds, pools² and dams³, clear freshwater lake shores, sheltered sea coasts with rocky or sandy beaches, tidal creeks and estuaries³, and often forages in patches of dry meadow¹. It occurs from sea level up to 4,000 m or more in the mountains, but generally avoid frozen, snow-clad or very hot areas². Non-breeding In its winter range this species inhabits a wide variety of habitats, such as small pools, ditches, riverbanks^{1, 2}, streams, dam shores⁵, marshy areas⁴, estuaries, freshwater seeps on coastal shores, tidal creeks in mangrove swamps and saltmarshes, harbours, docks^{2, 5} and filtration tanks of sewage works⁵. It will also forage on grassland along roadsides and occasionally in gardens^{1, 5}, but it generally avoids large coastal mudflats¹. Diet The diet of this species consists of adult and larval insects (such as beetles and Diptera), spiders, molluscs, snails, crustaceans, annelids, and occasionally frogs, toads, tadpoles and small fish, as well as plant material (including seeds)^{1, 3}. Breeding site The nest is a shallow depression, sometimes amongst shrubs and trees¹.

Threats The size of the breeding population in England is threatened by disturbance from recreational anglers⁵.

References 1. del Hoyo et al. (1996). 2. Snow and Perrins (1998). 3. Urban et al. (1986). 4. Johnsgard (1981). 5. Yalden (1992).

Further web sources of information

Detailed species account from Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status (BirdLife International 2004)

Text account compilers Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Jonathan Ekstrom (BirdLife International), Lucy Malpas (BirdLife International)

IUCN Red List evaluators Jeremy Bird (BirdLife International), Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2010) Species factsheet: Actitis hypoleucos. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 2/9/2010

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

To provide new information to update this factsheet or to correct any errors, please email BirdLife

To contribute to discussions on the evaluation of the IUCN Red List status of Globally Threatened Birds, please visit BirdLife's Globally Threatened Bird Forums