The habitat and activity of Common SandpipersActitis hypoleucosbreeding by upland rivers

Abstract

The stretches of the Rivers Ashop and Alport favoured by the study population of Common Sandpipers are characterized by being wider and having a greater width of shingle. Territory size in this area was not correlated with shingle width, though such correlation has been recorded elsewhere Grassland was used for feeding, as well as river edge, but did not seem to be defined as part of the territory. Observations of activity through the breeding season suggest that adults feed intensively shortly after arrival, but later in the season have ample time to roost, preen or stand on guard, so food and feeding habitat seem then not to be critically limited. However, older chicks (5–20 days) seem to spend all their time in shingly areas of the river, both feeding and roosting there, which suggests that it is this resource for the chicks that the adults gain by defending their territory.