The Buff-breasted sandpiper resembles a plover with a high-stepping, pigeon-like gait. One of the few Oregon shorebirds that frequents dry, sparsely vegetated coastal grasslands.

Fall migrants consist of juveniles. It has scaly, buffy-brown underparts, yellow legs, a small head, and a short black bill. Beady black eyes stand out on a plain, pale face. It bobs its head while moving. Gleaming white underwings are displayed in a graceful flight pattern. It is unique among North American shorebirds in having a lek mating system.

This is a rare but regular fall migrant on the Oregon coast where it has been recorded in every coastal county. It has been seen in the fall on Sauvie Island and in the Rogue Valley.

Hear the call of the Buff-breasted sandpiper

Photo by ©Greg Gilson