Limnodromus griseus (J.F.Gmelin, 1789)

Nomenclature

This species, scientifically named Limnodromus griseus (J.F.Gmelin, 1789), is commonly known as the short-billed dowitcher.

Adult Breeding Plumage

Adult short-billed dowitchers have dark brown upper bodies and reddish underbodies. Their tails have a black-and-white barred pattern, and their legs are yellowish.

Subspecies Plumage Variation

The species has three subspecies with slight appearance variations: Limnodromus griseus griseus has a white belly and barred flanks. Limnodromus griseus hendersoni has a reddish belly and spotted flanks. Limnodromus griseus caurinus has a white belly, heavily barred flanks, and a densely spotted breast.

Plumage Distinction From Long-billed Dowitcher

None of these subspecies match the combination of a reddish belly and barred flanks seen in breeding-plumage long-billed dowitchers. The winter plumage of the short-billed dowitcher is largely grey.

Size and Weight

Adults measure 23 to 32 cm (9.1 to 12.6 in) in total length, have a wingspan of 46 to 56 cm (18 to 22 in), and weigh between 73 and 155 g (2.6 to 5.5 oz).

Vocalization

The call of the short-billed dowitcher is more mellow than that of the long-billed dowitcher, and this difference is useful for identifying the species, especially for adults with hard-to-distinguish plumages.

Breeding Habitat

For breeding habitat, short-billed dowitchers use bogs, tidal marshes, mudflats, and forest clearings located south of the tree line in northern North America.

Subspecies Breeding Ranges

Each subspecies has a distinct breeding range: L. g. griseus breeds in northern Quebec; L. g. hendersoni breeds in north central Canada; L. g. caurinus breeds in southern Alaska and southern Yukon.

Migration Range

Short-billed dowitchers migrate to the southern United States, and can travel as far south as Brazil. During migration, this species is more likely to be found near ocean coasts than the long-billed dowitcher.

Occurrence in Western Europe

In western Europe, the species only occurs as a scarce vagrant.

Foraging Behavior

Short-billed dowitchers forage by probing in shallow water or on wet mud. Their diet mainly consists of insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and marine worms, and they also eat some plant material.