Common Sandpiper

Actitis hypoleucos 19-21cm

Mankoththi in Tamil (மண்கொத்தி)

Widespread winter visitor. Horizontal stance and constant bobbing action distinctive. White wing bar and brown rump and centre of tail in flight. In breeding plumage, has irregular dark streaking and barring on upperparts, lacking in non-breeding. Juvenile has buff fringes and dark subterminal crescents to upperparts. Flight call is anxious wee-wee-wee. Breeds by mountain streams and rivers; winters at freshwater and coastal wetlands.