Shorebirds & Waders
Types of Shorebirds
Knowing the different types of shorebirds can help you identify these confusing birds more easily.
What Is a Wading Bird?
Wading birds are instantly recognizable, but why? Knowing what makes waders unique can help birders quickly and accurately identify and appreciate all the wading birds they see.
American Avocet
Detailed bird profile of the American avocet: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for bird conservation related to American avocets.
American Bittern
Detailed bird profile of the American bittern: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for conserving American bitterns.
American Flamingo
Detailed bird profile of the American flamingo: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction.
Black-Crowned Night-Heron
The most common heron in the world, the black-crowned night-heron is a nocturnal bird frequently found in marshes and similar habitats.
Black-Necked Stilt
Have you heard the yapping of a marsh poodle? Learn more about the black-necked stilt, including how to tell genders apart, where to find these birds and how to help preserve them.
Blue Crane
Detailed bird profile of the blue crane: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes conservation threats to the species.
Great Blue Heron
The largest heron in North America, the great blue heron is also easy to identify and familiar to most birders. Learn this bird's key field marks and behavior so it can be familiar to you.
Great Egret
Detailed bird profile of the great egret: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes conservation tips for great egrets.
Killdeer
Detailed bird profile of the killdeer: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for backyard killdeers.
Roseate Spoonbill
Detailed bird profile of the roseate spoonbill: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes notes on conservation for roseate spoonbills.
Northern Lapwing
Detailed bird profile of the Northern lapwing: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for where to see northern lapwings in their range and as vagrant birds.
Spotted Sandpiper
A common and familiar shorebird, the spotted sandpiper is an essential bird for all birders to learn so they can be more familiar with different shorebirds.
Sandhill Crane
One of the tallest birds in North America and the world's most widespread crane species, the sandhill crane is familiar to many North American birders. But how much do you know about these unique birds and their many subspecies?
Piping Plover
Detailed bird profile of the piping plover: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction.
Wilson's Snipe
A heavily camouflaged shorebird, the Wilson's snipe has a distinctive bill and boldly striped back. Learn more about these reclusive waders, including where to find them in the field.
Upland Sandpiper
A surprising find, the upland sandpiper is a shorebird that isn't found near shores. Learn more about these attractive shorebirds, including how to find, identify and attract them.
Whooping Crane
Detailed bird profile of the whooping crane: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for where to see these endangered birds and facts about the conservation efforts to save them.