High in the mountains of Costa Rica, our focus is often on the vibrant resident birds that call these cloud forests home. But Costa Rica boasts an incredible diversity of birdlife, and even our mountain retreat gets visitors from far and wide. Today, we turn our gaze to a graceful long-distance traveler, the Stilt Sandpiper.

These elegant shorebirds grace our (location – specify if there are lakes or ponds near the retreat) with their presence during their remarkable migrations. While not the most common visitor, spotting a Stilt Sandpiper is a treat for birdwatchers.

A Striking Appearance

The Stilt Sandpiper lives up to its name. Its most prominent feature is its long, greenish-yellow legs, which appear impossibly slender compared to its stocky body. This adaptation allows them to wade into deeper water than other sandpipers, reaching a wider range of prey.

Their plumage depends on the season. During breeding season, further north, they sport a stunning transformation. Their backs become a mosaic of dark brown blotches, their underparts heavily barred in black and white, and their cheeks a rich chestnut.

Here in Costa Rica, during their non-breeding or immature stages, they appear more subdued. A cool gray dominates their feathers, but look for the tell-tale contrast of a bright white eyebrow and a long, slightly drooping dark bill.

A Life on the Move

Stilt Sandpipers are champions of long-distance travel. They breed in the far reaches of the Arctic tundra in North America, braving harsh conditions to raise their young. Come fall, they embark on an incredible southward journey, flying over water to the Caribbean and eventually reaching their wintering grounds in northern South America.

During these migrations, some Stilt Sandpipers choose to take a rest in Costa Rica, particularly in freshwater habitats like ponds, marshes, and shallow lakes. Here, they refuel on their long journey, probing the mud with their long bills for small invertebrates like worms and insects.

Spotting a Stilt Sandpiper

While not the easiest bird to find, with a little patience, you might encounter a Stilt Sandpiper on your visit to our mountain retreat. Keep an eye out for these long-legged shorebirds wading in the shallows or flitting across the water’s surface. Their long legs and slightly hunched posture, combined with their distinctive bill, should help you identify them.

If you’re lucky enough to spot one, take a moment to appreciate this remarkable traveler. The Stilt Sandpiper is a testament to the wonders of avian migration, a creature that defies distance and demonstrates the interconnectedness of our planet’s ecosystems.

Beyond the Mountains: Stilt Sandpipers in Costa Rica

While you might see them in our mountain retreat during migration, Stilt Sandpipers are more commonly found in Costa Rica’s coastal wetlands, particularly along the Pacific Coast. If you’re planning on exploring other areas of Costa Rica, be sure to pack your binoculars and keep an eye out for these fascinating birds.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica