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Terek Sandpiper
Xenus cinerus
Conservation Status
Vulnerable species in New South Wales (Threatened Species Conversation Act). At national level, it is listed as Migratory in the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
What does it look like?
It is a medium sized wader. Individuals are greyish-brown above and white below, with some white on the outer tail feathers and a noticeable white bar on the tips of the secondaries. The species may be distinguished from other waders by its long, slender, upturned black bill, which is dull orange at the base, and its orange legs and feet.
Where does it live?
They visit the west, north and east coasts of Australia, during its non-breeding season in August through to April. The species breeds south of the Arctic from southern Finland to north-eastern Siberia. There is one record from the Warriewood area, presumably in the wetlands. Records show them in coastal mudflats, lagoons, creeks and estuaries, with a preference for mangroves.
What do they eat and what is their life cycle?
Worms, crustaceans, small shellfish, flies, beetles and water bugs are all included in the varied diet of this Sandpiper. They feed whilst walking and pecking and probing with their beak into soft, wet mud catching prey. They lay one egg, nesting in colonies and often sharing sites with other waders.
Updated: 27 Jun 2011
Related Links
- Terek Sandpiper - DEC-NSW Threatened Species Profile