The Surfbird is a plover-like sandpiper of rocky Pacific shores, where it forages on wave-washed boulders and kelp-covered rocks for mussels and barnacles. It is an inconspicuous gray bird in winter but develops a striking black-and-chestnut spotted pattern in breeding plumage. It breeds on rocky ridges in Alaska and the Yukon.
Best time to see a Surfbird
The best time to see a Surfbird is November–April, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,319 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Surfbird? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Surfbird sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Surfbird?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.