Calidris Calidris

Calidris - Definition

Calidrids
image:Dunlin126.JPG
Dunlin Calidris alpina
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order:Charadriiformes
Family†:Scolopacidae
Genera

Calidris
Eurynorhynchus
Limicola
Tryngites
Philomachus
Aphriza

† see also: wader

The calidrids and their allies are a group of Arctic breeding, strongly migratory wading birds. These birds form huge mixed flocks on coasts and estuaries in winter. They are the typical "peeps", small to medium-sized, long-winged and relatively short-billed.

Their bills have sensitive tips which enable them to locate buried prey items, which they typically seek with restless running and probing.

There are a number of species closely related to the calidrids which are included in the list. The Stilt Sandpiper, previously Micropalama himantopus, has particular resemblances to the calidrid sandpipers, especially Curlew Sandpiper, and following confirmation of its close genetic relationship to that species, has now been reclassified as Calidris himantopus. It is likely that future research will also result in either the incorporation of Aphriza, Limicola and Eurynorhynchus back into Calidris, or else the break-up of Calidris into several smaller genera (Crocethia for Sanderling, and Erolia for most of the small species).

Species are:


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