Sanderling

The sanderling is a small, pale wader that looks almost white in winter plumage, with a grey back and a dark shoulder patch. Unlike other sandpipers, it has no hind toe, just three toes on each foot, which explains its Dutch name. It is famous for the way it feeds: it runs on its short legs like a wind-up toy in front of the waves and back again, and quickly pecks at what the wave leaves behind, small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. It can be seen in small groups on the beach and on mudflats, mostly outside the breeding season.