South-bound Shorebirds Visiting the Cape

Cape Cod juts into the Atlantic Ocean, providing an important stop for shorebirds during their migration south. Many of our shorebirds have spent the summer far north in the tundra of the high Arctic, nesting and fledging young. Now, they’re on the move. The transitionary period at the end of the summer and beginning of the fall provides ideal conditions to spot the migrating birds. Look for these 5 shorebirds while on the Cape, which will delight birders hoping to catch a glimpse of these busy travelers.

5 Exciting Shorebirds You May Find on the Cape

1. Whimbrel

One of our larger shorebirds, Whimbrels sport distinctive downwardly curved beaks. Watch for them in the salt marsh as they forage on fiddler crabs before heading south, in many cases traveling directly from the Cape to the north coast of South America. Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to find these sometimes-elusive birds

2. Least Sandpiper

The world’s smallest shorebird can be found both along our tidal flats and salt marshes. Look for their greenish-yellow legs, which, when you can see them, help to distinguish them from other small sandpipers, known commonly as “peeps.”

3. Semipalmated Plover

If it has a round head and short beak, it must belong to the plover family! To distinguish a Semi-palmated Plover from their cousins, the Piping Plover, look for their dark brown back and thick, dark breastband that wraps below their neck. These common fall migrants run quickly, stopping at mudflats in search of small invertebrates.

4. Black-bellied Plover

The Black-bellied Plover towers over the other plovers and many of the sandpipers, as well. In breeding plumage, males have crisp black bellies and chests, but by late fall most will be seen in their less dapper non-breeding plumage which is a pale grey. Some Black-bellied Plovers overwinter on the Cape.

5. Short-Billed Dowitcher

This long-beaked and heavy-bodied shorebird quickly dips their bill in and out of the ground in a characteristic sewing machine-style feeding technique that they use to find buried aquatic invertebrates.

Before You Bird

As always, give the wildlife and birds you observe their space. This time of year, migrating shorebirds depend upon our tidal flats, salt marshes, and beaches to rest and feed. Our coastlines offer a safe place to refuel, so by minimizing disturbances, you can help support a successful migration. If you have a scope, this is the ideal time to use it and enjoy the shorebirds from a distance.

Shorebird Programs on the Cape

Many birders find shorebirds challenging to identify. Joining a birding program, lead by an experienced Mass Audubon naturalist, can help you learn the skills needed to recognize these elusive species. You’ll gain identification experience in the field as well as knowledge about their fascinating life history and the ongoing work Mass Audubon does to help shorebird populations, including our Coastal Waterbird Program.