Idaho’s Migratory Shorebirds

By Sydney Meng, Golden Eagle Guest Blogger

Every year, 20 million shorebirds migrate from the United States to the Arctic, each one covering almost 20,000 miles and cruising at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Shorebird migration is a dazzling phenomenon, and it is among the lengthiest of the spring migration season occurring from March to June. Up to 38 species of shorebirds including Black-necked Stilts, Spotted Sandpipers, and Wilson’s Phalaropes stop in Idaho to rest.

During migration, it is crucial to have healthy habitat for shorebirds to rest and refuel. Understanding shorebird populations and migration patterns is also important, and that is why local Audubon chapters across the Northwest, including Golden Eagle Audubon and its Idaho Young Birders Club are part of the Intermountain West Shorebird Survey.

Common shorebirds found in the southwest Idaho during migration season

Black-necked Stilt by Louisa Evers

Black-necked Stilt

This striking bird is known for its stilt-like pale pink legs and black and white body and — fortunately, is a prominent visitor to Idaho during migration and breeding season. You can find them in shallow, open wetlands with little to no vegetation foraging for aquatic invertebrates and larval insects such as snails, small fish, and caddisflies.

Fun Fact: The Black-necked Stilt and its relatives are the only bird species besides flamingos to have such a larger leg to body length.

Recently seen at Black Creeks Bird Reserve and Hubbard Reservoir

Wilson’s Phalarope

The Wilson’s Phalarope is another species of shorebird commonly spotted during migration. They prefer marshes with higher salt content in both North and South America, including the Great Salt Lake and the Andean salt lakes. They are often found creating a whirlpool by spinning rapidly in water to suck in shrimp, the Wilson’s Phalaropes preferred food source. 

Fun Fact: Wilson’s Phalaropes are one of the only species that molt at resting stops during migration rather than at their wintering grounds.

Recently seen at Ted Trueblood WMA south

Wilson’s Phalarope by Louisa Evers

Spotted Sandpiper by Ken Miracle

Spotted Sandpiper

These extremely camouflaged shorebirds are difficult to identify, even though they are one of the most widespread species in North America. Unlike the last two birds mentioned, Spotted Sandpipers are at home at rivers, streams, and shorelines. Their diet mainly consists of insects and crustaceans.

Fun Fact: Male Spotted Sandpipers and the primary caretakers for young, while females will mate with more than one male at a time.

Recently see at Blacks Creek Bird Reserve and Boise River Greenbelt at Willow Lane