Common Sandpiper

Distribution, movements and phenology

The Common Sandpiper breeds across Eurasia, including Mainland Portugal, although its distribution is localised and fragmented, and it is most commonly found in the southern and eastern regions (Catry et al. 2010a; Billerman et al. 2026). There is a considerable migratory flow through Portugal, particularly between summer and early autumn (Alves et al. 2010; Catry et al. 2010a; Alves et al. 2011), of birds likely originating from countries in Western and Northern Europe. In winter, it occurs in Southern Europe, with the majority of the population concentrated in Africa and Southern Asia (Delany et al. 2009). During these periods, the Portuguese Mainland coast, particularly in the south, becomes a significant area of occurrence, including estuaries, coastal inlets and coastal lagoons. The migratory behaviour of breeding birds is poorly understood (Catry et al. 2010a), though dispersive movements are assumed. On the islands, it occurs occasionally, during winter or migration (Madeira), or as a vagrant (Azores) (Equipa Atlas 2018).

Abundance and population trends

The European population has been estimated at between 2,060,000 and 2,980,000 mature individuals, appearing to be stable (BirdLife International 2025), though it may have experienced a slight decline in the past (Delany et al. 2009). In Portugal, the available data are insufficient to produce reliable population estimates. However, there are thought to be 500–1,000 breeding pairs. The trend of the breeding population on the Mainland is considered uncertain or possibly stable, although there is evidence of a contraction in its distribution (Equipa Atlas 2022). The assessment of the environmental status for the indicator of wintering population abundance indicates this stability, having achieved Good Environmental Status. In contrast, there is a marked decrease in Madeira and a gradual decline in the Azores, neither of which have achieved Good Environmental Status.

Ecology and habitat

During the breeding season in Portugal, it is mainly found in lowland streams with stony or sandy substrates and open banks, without dense riparian vegetation. It is also associated with weirs and dams. Outside this season, it occurs in estuaries, coastal lagoons, salt pans, and along the marine coast. On beaches, it is associated with rocky areas with a narrow intertidal zone, usually in isolated groups (Lourenço et al. 2013). It feeds on amphipods, polychaetes and decapods (Arcas 2004).

Threats and conservation

The Common Sandpiper is classified as Vulnerable for the breeding population and Near Threatened for the wintering population, in both cases due to an estimated population of fewer than 1,000 individuals (Almeida et al. 2022). There is no concrete information on threats to the species, and it is likely to suffer from increasing changes to riverbanks and disturbance from human activities. The presence of recreational anglers or walkers, particularly in nesting areas, may unintentionally disturb the birds, leading to breeding failure. These threats extend to other European populations (Delany et al. 2009).

Autor

Pedro A. Salgueiro