Least Sanpipers - Southwest

A Least Sandpiper in its non-breeding plumage, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ, 12/26/2011.

Another Least Sandpiper in its non-breeding plumage,  Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ, 12/26/2011.

Least Sandpipers (Above) are considered the most widely distributed peep in the world, so it is no surprise that I saw flings of them at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, in Gilbert, AZ last December. When I observed them in winter they were in their non-breeding plumage (two photos Above) - brownish/grayish upper bodies with white undersides. They sport a thin drooping black bill, which are long enough to probe for food, the muddy flats that they are most commonly found.

A Least Sandpiper in its breeding plumage, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ, 4/12/2012.

hen I returned to the Riparian Preserve just last week, I again saw many Least Sandpipers; however, this time they were spoting their breeding plumage (Above), which is slightly more reddish than their drabber winter plumage.

Another look at the Least Sandpiper's more reddish breeding plumage, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ, 4/12/2012.

In North America, Least Sandpipers will be found in the northern regions of Canada and throughout Alaska. In winter they will migrate to the southern edges of the U.S. and Mexico, spreading from coast to coast.