THE BIRDS OF NEBRASKA
AND ADJACENT PLAINS STATES
Paul A. Johnsgard

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Family Gruidae

Sandhill Crane -- Grus canadensis
An abundant spring migrant in the Platte Valley from Grand Island to Lewellen, uncommon to rare elsewhere, west at least to the Clear Creek area of Lake McConaughy. Generally less abundant in the fall. Other than the Platte Valley, the only significant area of concentration is near the Harlan County Reservoir, which the birds have increasingly used in early spring. Elsewhere in the Plains States it is a regular but less common migrant. Non-breeding adults have remained in the state as late as August 20.

Migration: Fifty-seven initial spring sightings are from January 8 to May 1, with a median of March 1. Half of the records fall within the period February 10-March 20. Thirty final spring sightings are from March 9 to June 1, with a median of April 7. Fifty-five initial fall sightings are from September 2 to November 24, with a median of October 8. Half of the records fall within the period September 28-October 22. Fifty-three final fall sightings are from October 1 to December 31, with a median of November 5.

Habitats: Slowly flowing rivers, with relatively bare bars and islands for roosting, and adjacent wet meadows and croplands for foraging, are used by this species during migration. The Platte Valley is evidently the optimum spring habitat for this species in the entire Plains area. Spring concentrations there are unequaled anywhere in North America, usually peaking at about 500,000 in late March.

Comments: Sandhill cranes are the perfect harbinger of spring in Nebraska, they arrive with the break in winter weather, and their departure coincides with the leafing out of our flowering trees and shrubs. They give lift to our souls, and restore hope in the future. What more could anyone ask of a bird? Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Common Crane -- Grus grus
Accidental . Apparently two different individuals were observed in Lincoln County during 1972, and in 1974 one was seen in Kearney County on March 16 and 25. These were among flocks of sandhill cranes. An adult was similarly reported from March 30-31, l996 in Hall County (Nebraska Bird Review 64:80-82; Brogie, 1997)).


Whooping Crane -- Grus americana
An occasional spring and fall migrant in Nebraska, more often seen in spring than in fall. It has been observed in at least 26 counties, but most commonly in Buffalo and Kearney counties. It has also been observed at least ten times each in Dawson, Hall, Lincoln and Adams counties. Over 90 percent of the sightings have occurred within 30 miles of the Platte River, and about 80 percent have occurred between Lexington and Grand Island (Nebraska Bird Review 45:54-6). There have been many recent sightings, with 4 confirmed and 5 probable sightings in the fall of l994 alone (Nebraska Bird Review 62:149-150). and 20 during the spring, l996 migration (Nebraska Bird Review 64:69). It is also rare to occasional in Oklahoma, Kansas and the Dakotas, extremely rare in Colorado, and accidental in Minnesota.

Migration: A summary of migration records for this species has already been published (Nebraska Bird Review 45:54-6), which indicates that the spring migration extends from early March to late May, with a peak during the period April 1-15. The fall migration extends from mid-September to early November, with a peak during the period October 11-25.

Habitats: While in Nebraska, the Platte Valley is the primary habitat, and a wide and slow-flowing river, with its numerous sand bars and islands, and adjacent wet meadows, grain fields and marshlands, is evidently an important combination of habitat characteristics. The species migrates later in spring than does the sandhill crane, and thus does not normally associate with it. It probably uses marshy areas, "lagoons", and similar wet areas for foraging to a larger degree than does the sandhill crane.

Comments: Whooping cranes have stopped in Nebraska's Platte Valley more often than anywhere else along their entire migration route between wintering and breeding areas. Unlike sandhill cranes flock sizes are quite small, often comprised of single families. In recent years a few cranes have arrived early, with sandhill cranes, presumably these are immature birds.



Family Charadriidae

Black-bellied Plover -- Pluvialis squatarola
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming rarer westwardly. Less common in fall than during spring, but more common in both seasons than the golden-plover. The migration route includes the entire Plains States region.

Migration: Sixty-six total spring sightings range from April 4 to June 9, with a median of May 16. Half of the records fall within the period May 12-23. Thirteen initial fall sightings are from July 27 to October 2, with a median of August 20- Thirteen final fall sightings are from August 27 to November 12, with a median of October 6.

Habitats: Mudflats, shallow ponds and plowed fields are used by migrating birds.

Comments: In contrast to most shorebirds, ploughed fields are a favorite habitat for migrant black-bellied plovers. In these locations the black and white plumage patterns seem appropriate. This species and the golden-plovers are almost unique among American shorebirds in having darker underparts than backs, which is contrary to the principle of countershading for maximum concealment.


American Golden-plover -- Pluvialis dominica
An uncommon to occasional migrant in eastern Nebraska, rarer westwardly. More common in spring than fall, but present both seasons. It migrates throughout the eastern portions of the entire region.

Migration: Forty-nine total spring sightings are from April 6 to May 29, with a median of May 7. Half of the records fall within the period April 25-May 14. Ten initial fall sightings are from September 2 to October 9, with a median of September 28. Ten final fall sightings are from September 8 to November 20, with a median of October 12.

Habitats: Migrants favor grass stubble, short pasture lands, and newly plowed fields.

Comments: In common with the previous species, the upperpart coloration of adults in breeding plumage is spangled with dark and light markings. When crouched on a nest these patterns merge almost perfectly with the wet tundra (golden-plovers) or dry tundra (black-bellied plover) habitats that are preferred nest sites.


Snowy Plover -- Charadrius alexandrinus
Extremely rare spring and fall migrant in Nebraska, with 22 records as of 1995. There are two early specimen records from Lancaster County (Nebraska Bird Review 1:31). It was also observed in Antelope County in 1955, in Adams County in 1957, in Lincoln County in 1964, in Lancaster County in 1972, in Phelps County in 1974, and in Keith County in 1977. Also reported in Phelps County in May, l994 and 1995 (Nebraska Bird Review 62:99; 64:71), and in Filmore and Clay counties in 1996 (Brogie, 1997). It regularly breeds from Kansas southward through western Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle.

Migration: Six spring records for this species range from April 6 to May 17, with a mean of April 28. Five fall records are from August 7 to September 7, with a mean of August 21.

Habitats: Migrants are found on mudflats, alkaline flats, sandy shorelines, and in shallow ponds

Comments: Like the piping plover, the pale gray back color of this species matches that of dry sand, and makes the birds almost impossible to seen when they are sitting on their eggs. It has been suggested that the black upper breast markings of these birds are examples of disruptive coloration, actually making them harder to see.


Semipalmated Plover -- Charadrius semipalmatus
An uncommon to occasional spring and fall migrant statewide, but probably more common eastwardly. It also migrates throughout the entire Plains region.

Migration: Eighty-two initial spring sightings are from March 24 to June 6, with a median of May 12. Sixteen initial fall sightings are from July 25 to September 24, with a median of August 11. Sixteen final fall sightings are from July 30 to October 14, with a median of September 18.

Habitats: Migrants favor mudflats, shallow ponds, and the muddy banks of slowly flowing rivers.

Comments: Unlike the snowy and piping plovers, this species is a high-arctic nester, nesting on pebbly tundra sites. Its back is the color of wet sand, which helps to distinguish the species from the two just-mentioned species.


Piping Plover -- Charadrius melodus
An occasional to rare spring and fall migrant, and a local rare summer resident . There are numerous older nesting records for the Niobrara, North and South Platte, Loup and Missouri rivers, but most of the recent records are for the Platte (especially from Columbus to Plattsmouth), lower Niobrara, Loup and Middle Loup rivers, and at Lake McConaughy, Keith County. Recent Breeding Bird surveys indicate that 250-280 pairs breed in the state (about ten percent of the species' total population), largely along sandpit lakes in the central Platte valley, and on sandy spoil piles associated with gravel operations It also breeds locally in the Dakotas, northeastern Montana and very locally in southeastern Colorado, but elsewhere on the Plains it is only a migrant.

Migration: Sixty-one initial spring sightings are from March 27 to June 1, with a median of May 3. Half of the records fall within the period April 21-May 12. Five final fall sightings are from July 27 to September 5, with a mean of August 19.

Habitats: Breeding birds are usually associated with sparsely vegetated shorelines of shallow lakes and impoundments, especially those having bare sand or salt-encrusted areas of gravel, sand or pebbly mud.

Comments: This is one of the state's breeding species that is considered threatened in Nebraska. Changes in annual river flows of the Missouri and Platte rivers have destroyed much of its historic breeding habitat, although sandpit operations have provided some new opportunities. The total northern Great Plains population comprised about 1,250 pairs in the mid-1990s, of which Nebraska's component represented about 20 percent. A similar-sized population breeds along the East Coast.


Killdeer -- Charadrius vociferus
A common to abundant spring and fall migrant and summer resident statewide. Overwinters infrequently in the state. Also breeds and migrates throughout the Plains States.

Migration: The range of 86 initial spring sightings is from February 11 to May 27, and with a median of March 13. Half of the records fall within the period March 8-19. The range of 110 final fall records is from August 18 to December 31, with a median of October 19. Half of the records fall within the period September 27-November 10.

Habitats: This highly adaptable species often occurs on open fields during migration, but typically breeds near wetlands where there is exposed ground nearby. The birds seem to prefer gravely, stony or sandy areas for nesting, but also nests in a wide variety of locations, sometimes even in garden plots and building rooftops.

Comments: This is the most widespread and common plover in North America, often nesting well away from water and close to human population centers. Its conspicuous "kill-deer" calls can be heard in Nebraska from mid-March onward, and its defensive "broken-wing" behavior is familiar to every rural schoolbchild. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.


Mountain Plover -- Charadrius montanus
A rare spring and fall migrant and summer resident in extreme western Nebraska. A record of young seen in Kimball County in 1974 was the first known case of breeding in the state, but it was also found breeding there in l990 and 1991, and has been seen as far north and east as Dawes County. It also breeds in eastern Colorado, extreme western Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle, and adjacent New Mexico.

Migration: Two initial spring sightings are for May 8 and May 15. There are no available fall records. In Kansas fall records extend to September 16.

Habitats: Migrants or breeders in the Plains States are usually found in short-grass plains habitats, but sometimes also occur on sandy semiarid flats supporting some brush or cactus. Nesting occurs in extremely exposed locations, often on bare ground.

Comments: This characteristic species of the short-grass plains benefits from grazing by bison or cattle, and its population has been seriously declining in recent years. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.


Black-necked Stilt -- Himantopus mexicanus
A rare spring migrant, with a few summer records, but no evidence of nesting within the state until recently, when nesting began at Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Garden County. Breeding has also occurred (8 adults present in 1996) near Lakeside, Sheridan County, since at least 1988, and occurred in Dawes County in 1994. There are scattered non-breeding records from other counties as far east as Antelope County, but no pattern of geographic occurrence is evident. Breedings have occurred at various sites in various parts of the Plains States region, and vagrants may appear almost anywhere.

Migration: Eight records extend from April 30 to August 8. Five of the records are for the month of May.

Habitats: Generally associated with alkali ponds and marshes, often those used by avocets.

Comments: This elegant, long-legged shorebird has been slowly increasing in Nebraska, and elsewhere in the Great Plains. It seems to favor shallow, alkaline ponds such as those found in the western parts of Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where cinnamon teal and Wilson's phalaropes also congregate.


American Avocet -- Recurvirostra americana
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern and extreme western Nebraska. It is common in central parts of the state, a common summer resident in the Sandhills, and locally also nests in the Rainwater Basin. It is a regular breeder in the western half of the Plains States region, and migrants may appear throughout it.

Migration: Eighty-two initial spring sightings range from April 2 to June 7, with a median of April 28. Half of the records fall within the period April 20-May 6. Thirty-eight final fall sightings are from July 25 to November 17, with a median of September 4. Half of the records fall within the period August 25-September 2.

Habitats: In Nebraska avocets are associated with shallow ponds or marshes with exposed and sparsely vegetated shorelines, often in association with strongly alkaline waters. Nests are placed in exposed locations on mud flats, sand bars and islands, with little or no surrounding cover.

Comments: The American avocet is one of the most beautiful of American shorebirds, and can be easily seen in the western parts of Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge. In the summer of 1995 over 140 avocets were present there at Smith Lake, which was then being drained temporarily. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.



Family Scolopacidae

Greater Yellowlegs -- Tringa melanoleuca
A common spring and fall migrant statewide. It is also a migrant throughout the entire Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 115 initial spring sightings is from March 13 to June 10, with a median of April 13. Half of the records fall within the period April 2-14. The range of 55 final spring sightings is from April 11 to May 30, with a median of May 5. Thirty-eight initial fall sightings are from July 20 to October 16, with a median of August 18. Half of the records fall within the period August 4-September 3. Thirty-eight initial fall sightings are from July 20 to October 16, with a median of August 18. Half of the records fall within the period August 4-September 3. Thirty-eight final fall sightings are from August 14 to November 16, with a median of October 7.

Habitats: Ponds, marshes, creeks, mud flats and flooded meadows are used by migrants.

Comments: Less common than the lesser yellowlegs, this species has a considerably longer and more robust bill, and when taking flight it usually utters three or four short notes, rather than the two-noted call typical of lesser yellowlegs.


Lesser Yellowlegs -- Tringa flavipes
A common spring and fall migrant statewide, usually somewhat more abundant than the greater yellowlegs. It is also a migrant throughout the entire Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 124 initial spring sightings is from March 13 to May 29, with a median of April 14. Half of the records fall within the period April 10 to June 1, with a median of May 13. Thirty-five initial fall sightings are from July 20 to September 22, with a median of August 15. Half of the records fall within the period August 8-September 5. Forty-one final fall sightings are from August 20 to November 16, with a median of October 5.

Habitats: Ponds, marshes, creeks, mud flats and flooded meadows are used by migrants. There is no apparent ecological separation of migrating greater and lesser yellowlegs.

Comments: Both species of yellowlegs are tundra nesters, and it is always a shock for persons used to seeing these birds only on wintering or migration sites to find them perching in bushes and low trees in the arctic, where they scan for possible predators or other danger, and utter territorial calls.


Solitary Sandpiper -- Tringa solitaria
A common to occasional spring and fall migrant statewide, being most abundant eastwardly, and probably least common in the treeless areas. This species' status and distribution in Nebraska has been analyzed in some detail (Nebraska Bird Review 10:15-22). The species also migrates throughout the Plains States.

Migration: Eighty-eight initial spring sightings are from March 17 to June 7, with a median of May 4. Half of the records fall within the period April 28-May 11. Twenty-nine final spring sightings are from May 6 to June 10, with a median of May 13. Thirty-six initial fall sightings are from July 20 to September 9, with a median of August 9. Thirty-five final fall sightings are from August 5 to November 26, with a median of September 1.

Habitats: Wooded ponds, streams and flooded meadows are used by migrants.

Comments: This is indeed a "solitary sandpiper," since it typically forages alone rather than in groups of its own species or even near other shorebirds. Often it can be found along small creeks in the Sandhills that are lined with bushes or trees.


Willet -- Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
An uncommon to locally common spring and fall migrant statewide, and a locally common summer resident in the Sandhills. The Sandhills apparently represent the species southern limits of breeding in the Great Plains. It breeds in both Dakotas, and is a migrant throughout the entire Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 104 initial spring sightings is from March 18 to June 10, with a median of April 27. Half of the records fall within the period April 19-May 5. Sixteen final fall sights are from August 10 to November 9, with a median of August 24. Half of the records fall within the period August 19-September 1.

Habitats: A rather wide variety of wetland habitats are used by breeding birds, including streams, ponds, and marshes or shallow lakes, provided that prairie vegetation is located nearby. Less often hayfields or croplands may be used for nesting.

Comments: It is always a surprise to students unfamiliar with willets when these rather dull-looking birds take flight and suddenly expose their stunning white wing markings; the willet's appropriate generic name means "bearing a mirror." The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population decline during that period.


Spotted Sandpiper -- Actitis macularia
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident statewide. Local nesting occurs throughout the Plains States except in the southern areas, and migrants occur throughout.

Migration: The range of 105 initial spring records is from March 3 to June 5, with a median of May 4. Half of the records fall within the period April 26-May 3. Sixty-two-final fall records are from July 26 to October 26, with a median of September 9. Half of the records fall within the period August 27-September 22.

Habitats: Throughout its stay in Nebraska, this species is associated with wetlands having exposed or sparsely vegetation shorelines or islands, and ranging from fairly rapidly flowing streams to stillwater habitats. The shoreline features are apparently more important than the characteristics of the water.

Comments: This little sandpiper can be seen along most of Nebraska's waterways, where its teeter-totter behavior and distinctive flight, with strongly downcurved wing actions, make it easily recognizable. It is also the only Nebraska shorebird with spotted underparts, at least in breeding plumage


Upland Sandpiper -- Bartramia longicauda
An uncommon spring and fall migrant and local summer resident in natural grasslands nearly statewide, but most common in the Sandhills. Elsewhere it nests in suitable habitats almost throughout the Plains States, and migrants are regular throughout.

Migration: The range of 108 initial spring sightings is from March 9 to May 9th, with a median of May 2. Half of the records fall within the period April 24-May 10. Seventy-five final fall sightings are from July 21 to October 28, with a median of August 20. Half of the records fall within the period August 10-26.

Habitats: During summer, this species occurs on native prairies, especially mixed-grass and tall grass, on wet meadows, hayfields, retired croplands, and to a limited extent, on fields planted to small grains.

Comments: One of the most typical and beautiful of the Sandhills breeders, the upland sandpiper provides a definition of grace when it lands on a fencepost and momentarily lifts both wings in a ballet-like movement, before inserting them in its flank feathers and coming to rest. Its territorial song-flights are equally memorable. Once called the "upland plover," it is indeed rather plover-like in having a short bill and upland habitat preferences. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period, an unusual trend as compared with other grassland breeders..


Eskimo Curlew -- Numenius borealis
Extirpated from Nebraska, and nearly extinct if not already extinct. At one time it was a fairly common to abundant spring and fall migrant in the state, but the last definite Nebraska record was on April 8, 1926, near Hastings. The species was once regular through the Plains States from Texas to South Dakota. A sight record April 16, 1986 (Nebraska Bird Review 55:78) is questionable

Migration: Ten spring records are from March 22 to approximately May 25, with a median of April 12. There are no specific fall records, but the species apparently migrated through the state in October.

Habitats: While in Nebraska this species would settle in large flocks on newly plowed fields and dry, burnt-off prairies, where they foraged on grasshoppers and other insects. They evidently concentrated in York, Fillmore and Hamilton counties, in flocks of up to several hundred birds. As the native prairies disappeared, they increasingly used wheat fields and tame meadows.

Comments: Some persons believe that a few Eskimo curlews may yet survive, but there have been no verified sightings in the past few decades, and thus that fond wish may be a futile one.


Whimbrel -- Numenius phaeopus
An extremely rare spring migrant . There seem to have been at least eleven sightings since 1949, with the largest number from Lincoln County, but with other sightings in York, Adams, Webster and Lancaster Counties. There is one fall record (October 17) for Douglas County, and a few other fall records, but it has been reported during fall in Oklahoma. It is also an occasional to rare migrant elsewhere in the Plains States.

Migration: Eleven spring records are from April 12 to May 27, with a median of May 10.

Habitats: Migrating birds favor flooded grasslands, sandbars, and the shorelines of large impoundments.

Comments: There should be more Nebraska records for this species than the summary above would indicate. The birds nest in Canadian tundra directly north of Nebraska, and some birds winter on the Gulf Coast, so a regular movement through Nebraska seems likely.


Long-billed Curlew -- Numenius americanus
A common migrant and summer resident in western Nebraska, particularly in the Sandhills and High Plains regions. The eastern breeding limits probably coincide with the eastern edge of the Sandhills. Breeding also occurs in the western Dakotas, Colorado, New Mexico, and parts of Texas and Oklahoma.

Migration: Eighty-three initial spring sightings range from March 7 to June 7, with a median of April 11. Half of the records fall within the period April 5-21. Twenty-eight final fall sightings are from July 22 to September 21, with a median of August 18. Half of the records fall within the period August 5-September 1.

Habitats: In Nebraska, this species is associated with Sandhills grasslands, short-grass plains, and other grassy environments offering extensive foraging and nesting opportunities. Nests often occur in prairie vegetation on upland slopes that are close to moist meadows for foraging

Comments: It seems probable that the Nebraska Sandhills represent the last major breeding stronghold of this species in the Great Plains. The author has counted more than 50 curlews in a single wet meadow in Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge during July, at a time when flocks were starting to gather prior to fall migration. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually, with western Nebraska having the highest densities in the Plains States. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.


Hudsonian Godwit -- Limosa haemastica
An uncommon spring migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming rare or absent in the west. There are no fall records for Nebraska or South Dakota, and very few for Oklahoma and Kansas. It probably regularly migrates through the eastern half of the Plains States.

Migration: Sixty-nine initial spring records are from April 12 to May 27, with a median of May 2. Half of the records fall within the period April 22-May 12. Ten final spring sightings are from May 6 to May 25, with a median of May 15.

Habitats: Associated with marshy ponds, wet grasslands, and flooded fields while on migration.

Comments: This is another beautiful shorebird that breeds in arctic tundra, and that becomes a bush- and tree-perching bird upon arrival at its nesting grounds. Its rich rufous underpart coloration during spring easily separates it from the marbled godwit.


Marbled Godwit -- Limosa fedoa
An uncommon to locally common migrant throughout Nebraska, but with far fewer sightings in fall than during spring. There is a single recent state breeding record, for Sheridan County (American Birds 44:1153; 45:1134). It is a regular breeder in the Dakotas and western Minnesota, and a migrant throughout the Plains States.

Migration: The range of 117 initial spring sightings is from April 5 to May 26, with a median of April 29. Half of the records fall within the period from April 22-May 10. Eleven final spring sightings are from April 19 to May 23, with a median of May 7. Eleven total fall records are from July 20 to October 24, with a median of September 9.

Habitats: Extensive mud flats, wet fields, sand bars and the shorelines of impoundments are commonly used by migrating birds.

Comments: The name "godwit" comes from a traditional English name, meaning "a good thing (to eat)."That may be true, but a godwit is also a very good thing to see and hear; this is the largest of all godwits, and certainly one of the most attractive. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population increase during that period.


Ruddy Turnstone -- Arenaria interpres
An occasional to rare spring migrant in eastern Nebraska, very rarely seen as far west as Cherry and Garden counties. The largest number of sightings are for Adams and Lancaster counties, especially the latter. Rarely reported during the fall, but probably a rare migrant in that season, since fall records exist for other Plains States. Migrants are most common in the eastern portions of the Plains States, especially east of the Missouri River.

Migration: Twenty-three total spring records are from April 19 to May 27, with a mean of May l8; Half of the records fall within the period May l4-25, with a median of May l8. Half the records fall between the period May l4-25. There are two fall records, September l0 & l7 (Rosche, 1982)..

Habitats: Mudflats, shallow ponds and plowed fields are used by migrating birds.

Comments: Turnstones get their vernacular name from their tendency to flick rocks and pebbles over with their sharp bills, to find small invertebrates that may be hiding below. Few occur in Nebraska, but they are exciting finds whenever they can be spotted.


Red Knot -- Calidris canutus
An extremely rare spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, not reported west of Sheridan County. Most of the records are for Lancaster and Douglas-Sarpy counties, but there are scattered sightings elsewhere in eastern Nebraska. It is also a rare migrant elsewhere in the Plains States, mainly in the eastern portions.

Migration: A total of six spring records range from May 7 to May 19, with a mean of May 14. Six fall records are from August 27 to October (no date), with a mean of September 12.

Habitats: Mud flats and sand bars are used by migrating birds.

Comments: This is a rather robust little shorebird; its reddish underparts in spring is the basis for its common name "robin snipe" along the Atlantic coast. It is a high-arctic nester, and its short bill would seem better adapted for surface foraging than for mud-probing.


Sanderling -- Calidris alba
A rare to occasional spring and fall migrant in Nebraska, mostly in eastern and central parts of the state, becoming rare in the west but observed as far west as Scotts Bluff County. It is a regular migrant throughout the eastern half of the entire Plains States region.

Migration: Fifty-six initial spring sightings are from March 26 to June 2, with a median of May 6. Half of the records fall within the period April 25-May 15. Thirteen final spring sightings are from April 26 to June 10, with a median of May 13. Seventeen initial fall sightings are from July 27 to October 2, with a median of August 20. Twelve final fall sightings are from August 12 to October 19, with a median of October 4.

Habitats: Migrants are associated with sandy shorelines, sand flats, salt-encrusted flats, and less frequently muddy shorelines.

Comments: When the sanderlings pass through Nebraska they mostly seem to be in the pale winter plumage, during which time their darker anterior wing-coverts become conspicuous field-marks. On their arctic nesting grounds they have a rufous cast on the upperparts.


(Curlew Sandpiper) -- Calidris ferruginea
Hypothetical. Reportedly seen at Funk Lagoon, Phelps County, July 19 and 2l, 1997 (Nebraska Internet Hotline, July 21, 1997).


Semipalmated Sandpiper -- Calidris pusilla
A common spring and fall migrant, locally abundant or uncommon, the latter typical of western Nebraska. It is a migrant throughout the entire Plains States Region.

Migration: Eighty-nine initial spring sightings are from March 21 to June 10, with a median of April 28. Half of the records fall within the period April 20-May 10. Thirty-nine final spring sightings are from April 28 to June 1, with a median of May 15. Twenty-three initial fall sightings are from July 20 to September 8, with a median of August 5. Twenty-three final fall sightings are from July 28 to October 16, with a median of September 18.

Habitats: Migrating birds use mud flats, shallow ponds, exposed sand bars, and open shorelines as well, but rarely move onto dry fields with Baird's sandpipers or wet grasslands with least sandpipers.

Comments: This is one of the many small and confusingly similar "peep" sandpipers in Nebraska, , and is characterized by its blackish legs, unstreaked breast, and rather short, straight bill.


Western Sandpiper -- Calidris mauri
An apparently rare spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming more common westwardly, but considered rare even at Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Garden County. The species' status in the state is still only poorly known. It is probably a migrant throughout the entire Plains States region, but more common in western portions.

Migration: Forty-one initial spring sightings are from April 7 to June 10, with a median of May 8. Half of the records fall within the period April 28-May 15. Ten final spring sightings are from May 3 to May 23, with a median of May 13. Fourteen initial fall records are from July 20 to September 19, with a median of August 12. Eleven final fall sightings are from August 26 to October 2, with a median of September 1.

Habitats: Mud flats, shallow ponds and open shorelines are used by migrants, which avoid dry areas and prefer to forage while wading in shallow water, usually forage a slightly greater depth than do semipalmated sandpipers.

Comments: Western sandpipers are much like semipalmated sandpipers in appearance, but are more rufous above (especially in spring) and have a longer bill that droops slightly at the tip.


Least Sandpiper -- Calidris minutilla
A common spring and fall migrant statewide, but becoming less common westwardly. It is a migrant throughout the entire Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 102 initial spring sightings is from March 8 to May 29, with a median of May 2. Half of the records fall with the period April 20 to May 10. Forty-one final spring sightings are from April 27 to June 2, with a median of August 2. Twenty-three final fall sightings are from July 20 to September 9, with a median of August 2. Twenty-three final fall sightings are from July 28 to November 11, with a median of September 18.

Habitats: Mud flats, shallow ponds, marsh edges and flooded meadows are used by migrants, which frequently gather in small groups foraging in shallow puddles or wet grasslands well away from the larger "peeps".

Comments: This is one of the commonest "peeps" in Nebraska, and is notable for its olive-yellow legs and small size.


White-rumped Sandpiper -- Calidris fuscicollis
A fairly common spring migrant statewide, but appreciably fewer fall records exist. It is probably somewhat more common in eastern Nebraska than in western areas. It is a migrant throughout the entire Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 100 initial spring sightings is from March 28 to June 1, with a median of April 29. Half of the records fall within the period May 1-16. Seventeen final spring sightings are from May 8 to May 25. Eleven total fall sightings are from July 20 to October 4, with a median of August 12.

Habitats: Migrants feed in shallow ponds, flooded pasture lands, flat shorelines, and muddy creeks; often with Baird's sandpipers, but are less likely to forage in dry areas than that species.

Comments: At least in western Nebraska this is a very common spring migrant, which in flight can be easily recognized by its white rump. On land it is more difficult, but unlike the other "peeps" shows some faint flank streaking in addition to well developed breast streaking.


Baird's Sandpiper -- Calidris bairdii
A common spring and fall migrant statewide, and probably the most abundant of the "peeps" in Nebraska, especially in western portions of the state. It is a migrant throughout the entire Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 125 initial spring sightings is from March 12 to May 24, with a median of April 21. Half of the records fall within the period April 6-May 4. Fifty-four final spring sightings are from April 7 to May 29, with a median of May 13. Thirty-two initial fall sightings are from July 20 to October 1, with median of August 12. Twenty-six final fall sightings are from August 3 to November 6, with a median of October 4.

Habitats: Migrants use mud flats, shallow ponds, sand bars, and dried areas such as overgrazed pastures, salt plains and similar open habitats while on migration.

Comments: Baird's sandpipers have a rather distinctive ochre-tinted back pattern that that is more scalloped than linear in appearance. They also have long wings whose tips reach beyond the tail when folded.


Pectoral Sandpiper -- Calidris melanotos
A common to abundant spring and fall migrant almost statewide, but becoming less common to rare westwardly. It is a migrant throughout the entire Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 102 initial spring sightings is from March 4 to June 6, with a median of April 28 and half of the records falling within the period April 15-May 8. Thirty-nine final spring sightings are from April 5 to May 25, with a median of May 13. Twenty-eight initial fall sightings are from August 3 to November 20, with a median of October 4.

Habitats: Migrating birds use a variety of habitats, including muddy shorelines, creeks, flooded grasslands and shallow marshy areas where the emergent vegetation is not too thick.

Comments: Larger than the typical "peeps," the pectoral sandpiper often feeds among them, when its greater size and sharply cut-off breast pattern is usually quite apparent. Males of this arctic-breeding sandpiper inflate the neck area when on territory, and the birds then fly about uttering deep hooting calls, looking like tiny feathered balloons.


(Sharp-tailed Sandpiper) -- Calidris acuminata
Hypopthetical, with two sight records. The first was of a juvenile in Butler County, Oct. 12, 1986 (Nebraska Bird Review 54:70), and the other was a bird seen in Sheridan County, September 6, 1996 (Nebraska Bird Review 62:114).


Dunlin -- Calidris alpina
An occasional spring migrant in eastern Nebraska, rare in western parts of the state. Apparently rare during fall migration in all areas. It has been observed as far west as Cherry and Garden counties, but is extremely rare in these areas. It is a migrant throughout the eastern half of the entire Plains States region.

Migration: Forty-eight spring sightings range from April 6 to June 2, with a median of May 13. Half of the records fall within the period May 9-21. Eleven fall records are from August 15 to November 20, with a median of September 11.

Habitats: Migrants use mud flats, shallow ponds, and open stretches of muddy shorelines, often mingling with other small sandpipers.

Comments: Like the black-bellied plovers and golden-plovers, dunlins in breeding plumage have conspicuous black bellies, a most unexpected feature for a tundra nester. Perhaps this area is displayed during territorial flights, or otherwise has special signal value.


Stilt Sandpiper -- Calidris himantopus
A common or uncommon spring and fall migrant almost statewide, but becoming less abundant westwardly. It is a regular migrant throughout the entire Plains States region.

Migration: Ninety-nine initial spring sightings are from April 3 to May 29, with a median of May 11. Half of the records fall within the period May 9-19. Sixteen final spring sightings are from May 7 to May 30, with a median of May 17. Eleven initial fall sightings are from July 21 to September 19, with a median of August 11. Nine final fall sightings are from September 3 to October 21, with a median of September 20.

Habitats: Muddy flats, shallow mud-bottom ponds and flooded fields are used by migrants; the birds feed in belly-deep water and are more likely to be in sheltered areas than on exposed shorelines than many other shorebirds

Comments: This is a fairly frequently encountered shorebird in Nebraska, and apart from its long legs and barred underparts, the distinctive chestnut-brown ear-streak allows for easy identification. Like other tundra nesters, the adults, their eggs, and chicks all blend magically into tundra vegetation.


Ruff -- Philomachus pugnax
Accidental . Observed near Axtell, Kearney County, over a period of two days in late September, l99l (Nebraska Bird Review :64:3l). Also photographed in Phelps County, April l9, l994 (Nebraska Bird Review 62:99). There are four Kansas records for the species.


Buff-breasted Sandpiper -- Tringites subruficollis
A rare spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska. This species is highly local, and has been reported several times in York, Antelope and Lancaster Counties. It is apparently very rare in western Nebraska, but has been reported from Scotts Bluff and Sheridan Counties. It is a regular migrant through the central and eastern portions of the Plains States.

Migration: Twelve total spring sightings are from May 1 to May 20, with a median of May 10. Eleven fall sightings are from August 17 to September 26, with a median of September 7.

Habitats: Migrants are usually found on recently plowed fields, mowed or burned grasslands, meadows, heavily grazed pastures and other rather dry habitats, but shorelines are also used to some extent.

Comments: Only rarely can one expect to see this species anywhere near water; instead it should be sought out in stubble-fields or similar dry-land habitats. The same fields are often used from year to year..


Short-billed Dowitcher -- Limnodromus griseus
Probably an occasional to rare migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming rarer westwardly, but identification problems and earlier consideration of the dowitchers as a single species make the distribution impossible to estimate. Studies of the dowitchers in Nebraska (Nebraska Bird Review 8:63-74; 64:74-78) suggest that the short-billed dowitcher is probably quite rare in the state. Most recent sight records are from eastern counties. The species is probably regular only in the northeastern portions of the Plains States.

Migration: Seven total spring sightings attributed to this species are from April 20 to May 18, with a median of May 14. Fourteen fall sightings are from early August to September 10, with most records between August 19 and September 10.

Habitats: Migrants use muddy flats and mud-bottom ponds probably identical to those of the long-billed dowitcher, at least in Nebraska.

Comments: Rather little is known of this species' occurrence in Nebraska; in spring it is less rufous below than is the long-billed dowitcher, and its usual call is a three-noted whistle.


Long-billed Dowitcher -- Limnodromus scolopaceus
A common spring and fall migrant statewide. Unless carefully identified, dowitchers in Nebraska should be tentatively assigned to this species. It is a regular migrant throughout the entire Plains States region.

Migration: Thirty-five initial spring sightings range from April 12 to May 23, with a median of May 1. Half of the records fall within the period April 20-May 11. Thirteen final spring sightings are from May 4 to June 1, with a median of May 11. Eleven initial fall sightings are from July 20 to October 7, with a median of August 8. Thirteen final fall sightings are from August 1 to December 3, with a median of October 14.

Habitats: Associated with muddy flats and mud-bottom ponds in Nebraska; foraging is done by probing in shallow water of ponds or flooded grasslands.

Comments: Nearly all dowitchers seen in Nebraska seem to be of this species, which is distinguished by its rich rufous underparts and usually a single keek note upon takeoff. The dowitchers are relatively plump birds, and forage for extended periods with their bills immersed vertically in shallow water, where they probe in mud for invertebrates.


Common Snipe -- Gallinago gallinago
A common spring and fall migrant, and a very rare or highly localized summer resident . Stragglers uncommonly overwinter in the state as well. It has bred in Garden County, and more recently in Rock County. It is also regular during summer at the Clear Creek marshes, Garden County, and in the Pine Creek drainage north of Smith Lake in Sheridan County, so nesting there is also quite likely. Regular nesting probably occurs from North Dakota and Minnesota southward to South Dakota, and migrants occur throughout the Plains States.

Migration: Eighty-one initial spring sightings range from January 1 to May 29, with a median of April 13. Half of the records fall within the period April 4-21. Twenty-three final spring records are from April 12 to May 28, with a median of April 29. Thirty-seven initial fall records are from July 21 to December 21, with a median of September 18. Forth-two final fall records are from July 27 to December 31, with a median of November 12. The data suggest that overwintering is rather rare in this species.

Habitats: Migrating birds are associated with marshes, sloughs and other wetlands that support areas of mudflats or mucky organic soil where foraging by probing is readily performed. Marshes rich in shoreline and emergent vegetation and are preferred over more open ones.

Comments: Snipes are rarely seen until they suddenly take off in a low, twisting flight, usually uttering a raspy scaip note. The strange, "winnowing" noises made by vibrating the tail feathers of territorial birds flying high overhead can be heard in various parts of the state and probably indicate nesting, but very few actual nests or chicks have been found. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


American Woodcock -- Scolopax minor
An uncommon to occasional spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, and an uncommon and local summer resident. Besides some possible early nestings, there is a 1972 breeding record for Sarpy County and a 1978 nesting in Hamilton County (Nebraska Bird Review 47:59). Displaying birds have been regularly observed from the Grand Island area west to Kearney (Lingle, l994). It has also been observed west in the Rainwater Basin as far as Clay and Adams Counties. Breeding is regular in Minnesota, and scattered breeding records exist for the areas directly south of Minnesota, as well as for eastern South Dakota.

Migration: Thirteen total spring sightings range from March 12 to June 1, with a median of April 10. Thirteen total fall sightings are from September 12 to November 14, with a median of October 15.

Habitats: In Nebraska migrating woodcocks are generally associated with floodplain forests, where the trees are rather scattered and the land is poorly drained, so that earthworms can be readily obtained by probing in the moist soil.

Comments: Seemingly woodcocks have become more frequent nesters in Nebraska recently; or at least there are now many more sightings of displaying territorial males, nests or chicks. The evening song-flight of males is an ethereal experience, and recently has been reported regularly from the hike-bike trail bridge near Fort Kearney, as well as many locations near Lincoln and Omaha. Moist ground and a ready supply of earthworms are major habitat needs.


Wilson's Phalarope -- Phalaropus tricolor
A common to abundant spring and fall migrant, and a common summer resident, breeding over much of Nebraska, especially in the Sandhills and Rainwater Basin. Breeding occurs from North Dakota to central Kansas, and migrants appear throughout the region.

Migration: A range of 115 initial spring sightings is from April 6 to June 6, with a median of May 2. Half of the records fall within the period April 25-May 10. Thirty-eight final fall sightings are from July 26 to October 20, with a median of September 8. Half of the records fall within the period August 19-September 12.

Habitats: Breeding occurs in wet meadows near aquatic habitats ranging from flooded ditches to ponds and marshes or shallow lakes, especially somewhat alkaline ones. Migrants forage by swimming in open water, capturing surface invertebrates while swimming in tight circles, which produces a vortex that draws invertebrates up from below.

Comments: Wilson's phalaropes are interesting for many reasons, not the least of which is their "sex reversal "traits in which females are larger, more colorful, and transfer incubation and brood-rearing chores to the male. They breed commonly around Border Lake, a highly alkaline lake at the western edge of Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.


Red-necked Phalarope -- Phalaropus lobatus
An uncommon to rare spring migrant in northern and western Nebraska, less common in southeastern parts of the state. Less common in fall in all areas. Migrants regularly appear in the northern portions of the Great Plains region, and are occasional as far south as the Oklahoma Panhandle.

Migration: Forty-two initial spring sightings range from April 19 to May 27, with a median of May 14. Half of the records fall within the period May 8-19. Seven final spring sightings are from May 9 to May 25, with a mean of May 19. Ten initial fall sightings are from July 20 to September 21, with a median of August 10. Eleven final fall sightings are from August 20 to October 14, with a median of September 27.

Habitats: Migrants use the same habitats as do Wilson's phalaropes, namely open water areas of marshes and shallow lakes, where the invertebrate life is abundant and can be captured by surface foraging.

Comments: Once called the "northern phalarope," this is an arctic-nesting bird that is only seen in Nebraska while on migration. In non-breeding plumage it often closely resembles the Wilson's phalarope, but is somewhat darker dorsally.


Red Phalarope -- Phalaropus fulicarius
Accidental . A single specimen has been collected in Cherry County (Nebraska Bird Review 2:38). It has also been reported in South Dakota, Kansas and Oklahoma, but is very are or accidental throughout the Plains States.


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