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Birds · Java · Sulawesi

Common Sandpiper

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos). This small sandpiper uses water edges and moves between regions; an Indonesian sighting does not by itself indicate local breeding.

Updated Facts checked Actitis hypoleucosEditorial standards

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Photograph of Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos).
(c) Saryu Mae 前 朝琉, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0 · Image cropped for layout.

Quick answer

IUCN status: Least Concern

Common Sandpiper at a glance

The Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) is a bird in the family Scolopacidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Papua. Diet: insects and other small invertebrates (worms, molluscs, crustaceans); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

Quick facts: Common Sandpiper
Scientific nameActitis hypoleucos
Indonesian nameTrinil pantai
GroupBirds
FamilyScolopacidae
Observation recordsNusa Tenggara, Java, Papua
Taxonomic groupCharadriiformes
GBIF records8,532 human-observation records, 2016–2026
Data retrieved2026-09-23
IUCN statusLeast Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026
Diet typeCarnivore (meat-eater) — insects and other small invertebrates (worms, molluscs, crustaceans) · BirdLife DataZone
ReproductionLaying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)
ActiveDiurnal (active by day) — Migrates at night. · Actitis hypoleucos (common sandpiper) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan
In this guide (12)
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

What is the Common Sandpiper?

Common Sandpiper refers to Actitis hypoleucos, in the genus Actitis, family Scolopacidae, and order Charadriiformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

What is known about the Common Sandpiper?

This small sandpiper uses water edges and moves between regions; an Indonesian sighting does not by itself indicate local breeding.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Common Sandpiper?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 8,532 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Java, Papua. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

How can you observe the Common Sandpiper?

Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Common Sandpiper with Great Crested Tern, Olive-backed Tailorbird, Brown-throated Sunbird. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

Scientific classification of the Common Sandpiper

Scientific classification from kingdom to species
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderCharadriiformes
FamilyScolopacidae
GenusActitis
SpeciesActitis hypoleucos

Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).

Common questions about the Common Sandpiper

What is the scientific name of the Common Sandpiper?

The scientific name of the Common Sandpiper is Actitis hypoleucos, in the family Scolopacidae and the order Charadriiformes. In Indonesian it is called Trinil pantai.

What kind of animal is the Common Sandpiper?

The Common Sandpiper is a bird in the family Scolopacidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insects and other small invertebrates (worms, molluscs, crustaceans).

Where does the Common Sandpiper live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Common Sandpiper summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Papua. That list is not a complete range map.

What does the Common Sandpiper eat?

The Common Sandpiper is a insects and other small invertebrates (worms, molluscs, crustaceans). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: BirdLife DataZone.

How does the Common Sandpiper reproduce?

The Common Sandpiper reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).

Is the Common Sandpiper nocturnal?

The cited source records the Common Sandpiper as diurnal (active by day). Migrates at night. Source: Actitis hypoleucos (common sandpiper) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan.

See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.

What is the scientific classification of the Common Sandpiper?

Scientific classification of the Common Sandpiper: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Charadriiformes, family Scolopacidae, genus Actitis, species Actitis hypoleucos.

Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

Is the Common Sandpiper endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Common Sandpiper is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Common Sandpiper is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  4. Species account — background reading ↗
  5. BirdLife DataZone ↗
  6. Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
  7. Actitis hypoleucos (common sandpiper) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan ↗
  8. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
  9. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →

Cite this page

Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.

PanduanHewan. Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/actitis-hypoleucos/

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