The common sandpiper nests on gravel banks and sand banks of mountain rivers. It feeds on spiders and insects. In contrast to the little ringed plover, the common sandpiper hides its nest between bushes or in jetsam. The sandpiper is in its breeding territory starting in April and nests in a territorial manner. Breeding lasts until June. If a flood washes the nest away or if some other disturbance occurs, there may be a second brood lasting into July or August. In August we can observe the birds migrating.

In Salzburg it is a very rare breeding bird of natural small rivers. It also nests in certain spots along the Salzach. Its existence is highly endangered throughout Europe!

The destruction of the natural breeding habitat (gravel and pebble banks with sparse vegetation cover, siltation zones, etc.) of the common sandpiper is responsible for its disappearance. In contrast to the little ringed plover, the common sandpiper only rarely switches to pebble and gravel pits. It needs to be near open water, and also needs sand and mudflats. The sandpiper finds enough insects for its young in the pools, inlets, and side channels of the Taugl. A breeding pair requires ca. 700 meters of water for its breeding territory. There would be room for three breeding pairs in the Taugl if they were able to nest undisturbed.

Characteristics:

Ca. 20 cm in size, olive-brown dorsal side with a white belly. Relatively short legs, a medium-length bill, and dark eye stripes.