The Short-billed Dowitcher is a medium-sized shorebird that feeds with a distinctive rapid sewing-machine motion, driving its long bill deep into the mud to probe for invertebrates. Despite its name, its bill is barely shorter than the Long-billed Dowitcher's — the species are best distinguished by call. Large flocks roost tightly on mudflats and move in coordinated waves.
Best time to see a Short-billed Dowitcher
The best time to see a Short-billed Dowitcher is April–August, when about 70% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 7,286 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Short-billed Dowitcher sightings near you
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