15 Shorebirds in Alabama
Alabama’s coastal regions and wetlands are home to an impressive variety of shorebirds. These habitats provide crucial resting and feeding spots for migratory and resident species alike.
In this article, we’ll highlight the most notable shorebirds you can find in Alabama, along with key details about their habitats and behaviors.
List of 15 Shorebirds in Alabama
- Piping Plover
- American Oystercatcher
- Sanderling
- Wilson’s Plover
- Black-bellied Plover
- Killdeer
- Semipalmated Plover
- Willet
- Ruddy Turnstone
- Least Sandpiper
- Red Knot
- Greater Yellowlegs
- Snowy Egret
- Marbled Godwit
- American Avocet
1.Piping Plover
The Piping Plover is a small, sand-colored bird often spotted along Alabama’s sandy beaches. With its delicate black collar and tiny size, it’s a standout among shorebirds. This species is a critical focus for conservation efforts.
Habitat: Sandy beaches and tidal flats.
Fun Fact: Listed as endangered, the Piping Plover relies on Alabama’s beaches as essential migration and nesting grounds.
2.American Oystercatcher
The American Oystercatcher, with its striking orange bill and bold black-and-white feathers, is a recognizable bird along Alabama’s coastal areas. It’s often seen foraging on shellfish near the shorelines.
Habitat: Coastal shorelines, mudflats, and oyster beds.
Fun Fact: Uses its strong bill to crack open oysters and clams for food.
3.Sanderling
The Sanderling is a small shorebird known for its quick movements along Alabama’s sandy beaches. Its habit of chasing waves makes it easy to spot during its migration.
- Habitat: Sandy beaches and tidal zones.
- Fun Fact: Famous for its wave-chasing behavior to catch tiny invertebrates.
4.Wilson’s Plover
The Wilson’s Plover is a small, stout shorebird with a distinctive black band across its chest. This bird is a skilled hunter of small crabs, found in Alabama’s coastal habitats.
Habitat: Sandy shores, estuaries, and coastal lagoons.
Fun Fact: Its thick, short bill is perfectly adapted for catching crabs.
5.Black-bellied Plover
The Black-bellied Plover, Alabama’s largest plover species, is an elegant bird with striking seasonal plumage. In the breeding season, it sports a jet-black belly and face.
Habitat: Wetlands, mudflats, and open beaches.
Fun Fact: One of the first shorebirds to migrate south each autumn.
6.Killdeer
The Killdeer is a versatile shorebird found in Alabama, known for its loud, high-pitched call. Its two black chest bands and active behavior make it easy to identify.
Habitat: Open fields, shorelines, and even urban areas.
Fun Fact: Protects its nest by pretending to have a broken wing to distract predators.
7.Semipalmated Plover
The Semipalmated Plover is a small shorebird often seen during migration in Alabama. Its single black chest band and petite size make it a charming sight along the coast.
- Habitat: Coastal wetlands and mudflats.
- Fun Fact: Named for its partially webbed toes, which help it navigate wet habitats.
8.Willet
The Willet is a medium-sized shorebird, often recognized by its grayish-brown plumage and striking black-and-white wing patterns in flight. It’s a common sight in Alabama’s marshes.
Habitat: Marshes, beaches, and tidal flats.
Fun Fact: Known for its loud, piercing call, which gives it its name.
9.Ruddy Turnstone
The Ruddy Turnstone is a stocky shorebird with a distinctive patterned plumage. Its energetic behavior of flipping over rocks to find food makes it fascinating to watch.
Habitat: Rocky shores, tidal pools, and mudflats.
Fun Fact: Uses its strong beak to flip stones and debris while searching for insects and crustaceans.
10.Least Sandpiper
The Least Sandpiper is the smallest shorebird in the world and a regular visitor to Alabama’s coastal areas. Its tiny size and yellow legs make it easy to spot.
Habitat: Mudflats, marshes, and shallow wetlands.
Fun Fact: Weighing about as much as a sparrow, it’s known for its incredible migratory endurance.
11.Red Knot
The Red Knot is a medium-sized shorebird with reddish plumage during the breeding season. Its remarkable migration journey often brings it to Alabama’s coastal feeding grounds.
Habitat: Coastal mudflats and estuaries.
Fun Fact: Travels up to 9,000 miles during migration, one of the longest distances for any bird.
12.Greater Yellowlegs
The Greater Yellowlegs is a tall, slender shorebird easily identified by its bright yellow legs and long, slightly upturned bill. It’s a regular visitor to Alabama’s wetlands.
Habitat: Freshwater marshes, estuaries, and mudflats.
Fun Fact: Often seen wading in deeper waters compared to other shorebirds
13.Snowy Egret
The Snowy Egret is a graceful white bird with long black legs and bright yellow feet. It’s commonly seen hunting for fish in Alabama’s wetlands.
Habitat: Marshes, estuaries, and shallow coastal waters.
Fun Fact: Its elegant plumes were once highly sought after for fashion, leading to near extinction in the 19th century.
14.Marbled Godwit
The Marbled Godwit is a large shorebird with cinnamon-colored plumage and a long, slightly upturned bill. It’s a rare but exciting find in Alabama.
Habitat: Coastal mudflats and grasslands.
Fun Fact: Feeds by probing deep into the mud for worms and small invertebrates.
15.American Avocet
The American Avocet is a striking shorebird with a sleek, upturned bill and black-and-white wings. Its elegant appearance makes it a highlight of Alabama’s wetlands.
Habitat: Shallow wetlands, salt ponds, and coastal lagoons.
Fun Fact: Uses its upturned bill to sweep through water in search of tiny prey.
FAQs
What are some common shorebirds found in Alabama?
Common shorebirds in Alabama include the Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Willet, and Killdeer. These birds are often spotted along sandy beaches, mudflats, and wetlands.
When is the best time to see shorebirds in Alabama?
The best time to spot shorebirds in Alabama is during migration seasons in the spring and fall when many species travel through the region on their way to breeding or wintering grounds.
Where can I go birdwatching for shorebirds in Alabama?
Top locations include Gulf Shores, Dauphin Island, and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. These areas provide ideal habitats for shorebirds and offer excellent bird watching opportunities.
How can I identify shorebirds during birdwatching trips?
Carry binoculars and a bird field guide or use birding apps like Merlin or eBird to identify species. Pay attention to size, plumage, beak shape, and behavior to differentiate between similar birds.
Are there any endangered shorebirds in Alabama?
Yes, the Piping Plover is an endangered species that relies on Alabama’s beaches as critical nesting and migration habitats. Conservation efforts are in place to protect this and other vulnerable species.
