What Are Shorebirds? 10 Common Wading Bird Species in Spain

Shorebirds (also known as waders) are a diverse group of waterbirds adapted to life in wet and muddy habitats like coasts, estuaries, and riverbanks. They typically have long legs and slender bills, which help them forage in shallow waters. In this article, we explore what shorebirds are, highlight their unique traits, and introduce 12 of the most representative species found in Spain.

What Are Shorebirds?

Shorebirds are birds adapted to muddy or sandy aquatic environments. Their key traits include:

• Morphology: Long bills for probing mud, and long legs for wading in shallow waters.

• Taxonomy: Traditionally in the order Charadriiformes, but some newer classifications place them in Ciconiiformes.

• Migration: Around 60% are long-distance migrants; only 3% are permanent residents.

• Diet: They feed primarily on invertebrates—annelids, arthropods, and mollusks.

• Mating systems: Highly varied—monogamy, polygyny, polyandry, and even promiscuity.

1. Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)

Breeds across Europe and western Siberia. Easily recognized by its long, downward-curved bill and melodic calls.

2. Little Stint (Calidris minuta)

Breeds in northern Scandinavia and Russia; winters in the Mediterranean and West Africa. Tiny body (12–14 cm), thin black bill, and quick movements.

3. Sanderling (Calidris alba)

Seen in Cádiz Bay during spring and fall migration. Famous for running with waves, feeding on small mollusks and crustaceans.

4. Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)

Most visible in Ebro Delta in July. Length: 41 cm, Wingspan: 82 cm. Rare but occasionally seen during migration in eastern Spain.

5. Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

Found across Eurasia and Africa, some winter in the Mediterranean. Males perform competitive displays to attract females in breeding season.

6. Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)

Known for long, pink legs and slim straight black bill. Adults are 33–36 cm long. Found in Andalusia and parts of Morocco.

7. Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)

Striking black and white plumage and a distinctive upward-curved bill. Distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

8. Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)

Widely found in Eurasia and North Africa. Abundant in Cádiz Bay during May and October migration peaks. Features orange legs and a small black-tipped bill.

9. Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)

Prefers sandy beaches, salt marshes, and lagoons. Cádiz Bay is a key wintering ground. Measures 15–17 cm in length.

10. Dunlin (Calidris alpina)

Common across European wetlands. Migrates via the East Atlantic Flyway. Breeding adults have a distinct black belly and grow up to 21 cm long.

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animal tags： Shorebirds Wading birds