The calidrids and their allies are a group of Arctic breeding, strongly migratorywadingbirds. These birds form huge mixed flocks on coasts and estuaries in winter. They are the typical "peeps", small to medium-sized, long-winged and relatively short-billed.
Their bills have sensitive tips which enable them to locate buried prey items, which they typically seek with restless running and probing.
There are a number of species closely related to the calidrids which are included in the list. The Stilt Sandpiper, previously Micropalama himantopus, has particular resemblances to the calidridsandpipers, especially Curlew Sandpiper, and following confirmation of its close genetic relationship to that species, has now been reclassified as Calidris himantopus. It is likely that future research will also result in either the incorporation of Aphriza, Limicola and Eurynorhynchus back into Calidris, or else the break-up of Calidris into several smaller genera (Crocethia for Sanderling, and Erolia for most of the small species).
There are a number of species closely related to the calidrids which are included in the list.
It is likely that future research will also result in either the incorporation of Aphriza, Limicola and Eurynorhynchus back into Calidris, or else the break-up of Calidris into several smaller genera (Crocethia for Sanderling, and Erolia for most of the small species).
This page was last modified 07:02, 15 October 2005.
This study extends the search by testing for correlations between wing shape of Calidrissandpipers and a traditional migratory variable (total migration distance) as well as a novel variable (relative fuel load).
I examine the correlation between wing shape in Calidrissandpipers, a group of highly migratory birds with worldwide distribution and similar foraging and courtship behaviors, and three variables: two migratory flight variables and predation risk.
Lengths of eight distal primary feathers were measured (to 0.01 cm with vernier callipers) on the right wing of 2 to 26 museum skins of 8 Calidrissandpiper species and 3 subspecies of C. canutus (canutus, islandica, and rufa).
Feeds |
Contact