Broad-billed Sandpiper

🔍 Overview

A tiny, rare wader from eastern Europe and Asia. Occasionally turns up in the UK on spring and autumn passage, with just a few historic Sussex records.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Distinctive split supercilium

Short, drooping bill

Smaller than Dunlin, with fast feeding action

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Look for it on mudflats and shallow scrapes like Rye Harbour or Pagham Harbour, usually in May–June or August–September. Often found among Dunlin or Little Stint flocks.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Soft, high-pitched calls. Actively forages with rapid movements, often probing constantly. Rarely stays long at one site.