Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Limicola falcinellus
Profile last updated:
13 Oct 2021
Description
The Broad-billed Sandpiper is an uncommon, small, stint-like sandpiper reaching 18 cm in length. It is superficially like the more common Curlew Sandpiper, but smaller in size and with a smaller but distinctive, heavy bill that is longer than the head. The bill (the most distinguishing feature) is initially straight and tapering, then downturned and flattened, remaining quite broad at the tip. In non-breeding plumage, the forehead, crown, hind-neck and sides of neck are pale grey-brown, streaked black. The fore-neck and breast are pale grey-brown, with a fine dark streaking, and the underparts are mostly white. The head feathers have a snipe-like pattern, with two light stripes above the eyes and a dark median stripe.
Distribution
The eastern form of this species breeds in northern Siberia before migrating southwards in winter to Australia. In Australia, Broad-billed Sandpipers overwinter on the northern coast, particularly in the north-west, with birds located occasionally on the southern coast. In NSW, the main site for the species is the Hunter River estuary, with birds occasionally reaching the Shoalhaven estuary. There are few records for inland NSW.
Habitat and ecology
- Broad-billed Sandpipers favour sheltered parts of the coast such as estuarine sandflats and mudflats, harbours, embayments, lagoons, saltmarshes and reefs as feeding and roosting habitat. Occasionally, individuals may be recorded in sewage farms or within shallow freshwater lagoons. Broad-billed Sandpipers roost on banks on sheltered sand, shell or shingle beaches.
- The species is an active forager, typically feeding by rapidly and repeatedly jabbing its bill into soft wet mud. Feeding also occurs while wading, often in water so deep that they have to submerge their heads and necks in order to probe the underlying mud. Their diet includes insects, crustaceans, molluscs, worms and seeds.
- Individuals are strongly migratory and only mildly gregarious when not breeding. Large flocks are seldom recorded and birds are often either encountered alone or feeding with other waders such as Red-necked Stints or Curlew Sandpipers.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Coastal habitats are being impacted as land continues to be cleared for residential, agricultural and tourism developments.
- Hydrological changes to estuaries and similar water bodies may modify or remove important areas of suitable habitat.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Raise visitor awareness about the presence of Broad-billed Sandpipers and other threatened shorebird species and provide information on how their actions will affect the species' survival.
- Searches for the species should be conducted in suitable habitat in proposed development areas. Assess the importance of the site to the species' survival. Include the linkages the site provides for the species between ecological resources across the broader landscape. OEH should be consulted when planning development to minimise impact on populations.
- Manage estuaries and the surrounding landscape to ensure the natural hydrological regimes are maintained.
- Protect and maintain known or potential habitats, including the implementation of protection zones around known habitat sites and recent records.
Information sources
- Hayman, P., Marchant, J. and Prater, T. (1986) Shorebirds. Helm Identification Guides. (Christopher Helm, London)
- Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (Eds) (1993) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings. (Oxford University Press, Melbourne)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2000) Broad-billed Sandpiper. Threatened species profile. NPWS, Sydney.
- Pringle, J.D. (1987) The Shorebirds of Australia. (Angus and Robertson, Sydney)
- Smith, P. (1991) The Biology and Management of Waders in NSW. Species Management Report Number 9. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville)
- Watkins, D. (1993) A National Plan for Shorebird Conservation in Australia. RAOU Report No. 90. (Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, Melbourne)
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