purple sandpiper

The purple sandpiper (Calidris maritima) is a species of shorebird belonging to the sandpiper family. It is found along the coasts of northern Europe and northeastern America. In winter, its upper parts appear purplish-black, with white underparts. This bird breeds in foggy Arctic highlands and winters as far north as Greenland and Great Britain. Purple sandpipers are known for being easily approached by observers in their natural habitat. They are part of a larger group of birds called sandpipers, which are typically small to medium-sized, measuring about 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) long. These birds are often found on sea beaches and inland mud flats.12