First records of Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata for Mozambique and continental Africa, and additional records of Pectoral Sandpiper C. melanotos in Mozambique, with comments on identification and patterns of occurrence

Abstract

The first records of Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata for Mozambique and continental Africa (1–2 adults, 4 February–16 April 2018), and additional records of Pectoral Sandpiper C. melanotos in Mozambique (1–2 birds, 20 February–31 March 2018) are reported, all at Macaneta, Maputo province. Identification features of these two species attaining breeding plumage are detailed and patterns of occurrence in Africa are discussed.