In winter the Purple Sandpiper has a dull grey head and neck with a dark back and white underside. It has a dumpy build with a long slightly curved bill.

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritima

Notes:
The Purple Sandpiper is usually seen feeding right at the waters edge of rocky, sea-weedy shores. A dark little bird, it is easily overlooked. It often has little fear of people and can be quite tame.

Order: Charadriiformes

Family: Scolopacidae

Genus: Calidris

Species: C. maritima

The Purple Sandpiper's slightly curved bill is apparent in this image, also note the thin white wing bar and the white sides of the tail.

Adult Male & Female (Winter)

Adult Male & Female (Summer)

Breeding distribution

Probably breeding

Confirmed breeding sites

Breeding distribution of the Purple Sandpiper

General distribution:
Breeds in Iceland and Scandinavia, a scarce breeder in the UK. More Widespread in winter around the coastlines of Northern Europe.

Habitat:
Breeds on high arctic tundra. In winter is nearly always seen on rocky shores and breakwaters.

Purple Sandpiper in summer plumage.

In summer the Purple Sandpiper is much lighter coloured, with the back feathers being fringed with chestnut and white. The breast is heavily streaked with brown. See video below for summer plumage.

Thanks to:https://www.flickr.com/photos/mattyfioner/ (Modified)

Thanks to:https://www.flickr.com/photos/60740813@N04/ (Modified)

Purple Sandpiper in winter plumage identification

Thanks to:https://www.flickr.com/photos/sussexbirder/ (Modified)

*Slate grey head, neck and breast

*Slight purple tinge on back

*Curved bill, yellow at base

*Dumpy build

* key ID points

*Yellow legs

Black rump, white outer tail feathers

*Curved bill, yellow at base

*Dumpy build

*Yellow legs

Breast streaked brown

*Upper feathers fringed chestnut and white

* key ID points

Thanks to:http://www.flickr.com/people/76592037@N00 (Modified)

A typical view, feeding along a rocky shore, the Purple Sandpiper is rarely seen in other habitats. Note the dumpy build of this bird along with yellow legs and bill.

Purple Sandpiper in winter plumage.

(Ref: Guide to Rare British Birds)

(Ref: Collins Bird Field Guide)

(Ref: Helm Guide to Confusion Species)

(Ref: RSPB Birds of Britain & Europe)

(Ref: Waders of Europe, Asia and North America)

(Ref: RSPB Birds of Britain & Europe)

(Ref: Waders of Europe, Asia and North America)