PECTORAL SANDPIPER Calidris fuscicollis

Another common vagrant to Britain from the Nearctic and also possibly from Arctic Siberia. Although the extent of breeding areas is almost as great on both continents, most birds migrate to South America and vagrants are far commoner in autumn, although some are thought to be returning birds. The sharp demarcation on the lower breast is a good diagnostic feature, as are the yellowish legs, although they are often covered in mud as on the right-hand bird.

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