sanderling

Short definition: The word sanderling means a small pale shorebird often seen running along sandy beaches, chasing waves to feed, recognized for its quick movements, lack of a hind toe, and energetic coastal behavior.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word sanderling? The word sanderling is mainly used in birdwatching, wildlife studies, and coastal nature writing. It refers to a small energetic shorebird often seen running along sandy beaches near the water’s edge. You will hear it in discussions about shorelines, migration, and birds that feed where waves break. Although not common in everyday conversation, it appears often in field guides and birding reports. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and informative.

sanderling n. /ˈsændərlɪŋ/

Forms: sanderling, sanderlings
Related: shorebird n., sandpiper n., beach n.
Syllable: san-der-ling

  1. (Noun) A small pale shorebird that runs quickly along sandy beaches near breaking waves.

    A sanderling is a small migratory shorebird often seen darting back and forth on open beaches, chasing retreating waves and probing wet sand for tiny crustaceans insects and other small food washed up by the surf.

    The sanderling ran rapidly along the shoreline stopping suddenly to peck at the sand each time a wave pulled back.
    Beachgoers noticed a group of sanderlings moving together in perfect rhythm as the tide shifted.
    During migration sanderlings can be found on beaches across the world resting and feeding between long flights.

    Synonyms: shorebird, sandpiper, beach bird, coastal wader, small wader, surf zone bird, shoreline feeder, migratory shorebird, tidal bird, wave line bird, coastal species, sand feeder
    Antonyms: forest bird, tree dwelling bird, domestic bird, flightless bird, inland land bird, raptor, seed eating bird, woodland species, urban bird, non migratory bird, ground running bird, landlocked species

  2. (Noun) A shorebird known for its nonstop running behavior and lack of a hind toe.

    Sanderlings are also notable for their constant movement and unique foot structure which lacks a hind toe, an adaptation that helps them move efficiently across firm wet sand at the water’s edge.

    The guide explained that the sanderling’s missing hind toe helps it stay stable while running on wet sand.
    Birdwatchers often recognize sanderlings by their tireless running behavior rather than their calls.
    Researchers study sanderlings to understand how birds adapt physically to beach environments.

    Synonyms: adapted shorebird, beach specialist, fast moving wader, surf runner, shoreline specialist, movement focused bird, coastal adapter, sand runner, ecological specialist, habitat adapted bird, beach forager, wave zone bird
    Antonyms: slow moving bird, perching bird, tree dwelling species, sedentary bird, inland specialist, non adaptive species, stationary feeder, woodland bird, waterfowl, raptor, ground nesting inland bird, lake species

An Explanation of the Word "sanderling" in an Image

A sanderling bird probing wet sand at the shoreline, showing light gray and white feathers, a short black bill, dark legs, and gentle waves in the background.
A close wildlife photograph of a sanderling feeding at the water’s edge, highlighting its pale gray-and-white plumage, short black bill, and energetic posture along a sunlit sandy beach.

Conversation Using the Word Sanderling

Set on a windswept shoreline, this dialogue features Oliver and Mia as they watch the playful and energetic movements of a small shorebird. The description emphasizes the sanderling's unique "wave-chasing" behavior, its physical adaptations for running on wet sand, and its surprisingly pale winter feathers that act as camouflage against the sea foam.

Oliver: Look at that tiny sanderling racing along the tide line; it looks like a clockwork toy that never runs out of energy.

Mia: I’ve never seen a bird move its legs so fast; the sanderling seems to be playing a dangerous game of tag with the waves.

Oliver: It’s actually a very efficient feeding strategy where the sanderling picks up tiny crustaceans exposed by the receding water.

Mia: Every time a wave comes in, the sanderling retreats just in time to stay dry, and then it immediately charges back out.

Oliver: In the winter, the sanderling is the palest of all our sandpipers, which helps it blend in perfectly with the white sand and foam.

Mia: I read that the sanderling is one of the few sandpipers that lacks a hind toe, which probably helps it run faster on hard surfaces.

Oliver: That’s correct; that anatomical quirk is a specialized evolution that makes the sanderling an elite sprinter of the beach.

Mia: It’s amazing how such a small sanderling can survive the harsh winter winds and freezing spray of the North Atlantic coast.

Oliver: They are much tougher than they look, and a sanderling will often travel from the high Arctic all the way to the tip of South America.

Mia: I could honestly stay here and watch the sanderling flock all day; their rhythm is so tied to the pulse of the ocean.

Oliver: It’s a very meditative sight, especially when the sanderling group turns as one and reflects the sunlight from their white bellies.

Mia: Let’s move a bit further back so we don't accidentally interrupt the sanderling while it's busy foraging for its lunch.

Phrases Containing the Word Sanderling

The phrases below show how the word sanderling is used to describe small, fast-moving shorebirds, their wave-chasing behavior, and life along sandy beaches.

Sanderling chasing waves

A sanderling running with the tide.

The sanderling chasing waves darted back and forth along the shoreline, perfectly timing each retreating ripple.

Sanderling on sandy beaches

A sanderling living on open coastlines.

The sanderling on sandy beaches blended into pale sand as it paused between quick runs.

Sanderling feeding rapidly

A sanderling searching for food.

The sanderling feeding rapidly probed the wet sand again and again before the next wave arrived.

Sanderling behavior

The typical actions of sanderlings.

Sanderling behavior is energetic, precise, and closely tied to the rhythm of the surf.

Sanderling in winter plumage

A sanderling with pale coloring.

The sanderling in winter plumage appeared almost white against the bright beach.

Sanderling running quickly

A sanderling moving at speed.

The sanderling running quickly stopped suddenly to probe for tiny prey.

Sanderling flock

A group of sanderlings together.

A sanderling flock moved like a single unit along the waterline.

Sanderling silhouette

The outline of a sanderling.

The sanderling silhouette appeared round and compact against the setting sun.

Sanderling at low tide

A sanderling feeding when water recedes.

The sanderling at low tide took advantage of exposed wet sand.

Sanderling near surf zone

A sanderling close to breaking waves.

A sanderling near the surf zone never strayed far from the moving water.

Sanderling resting briefly

A sanderling pausing activity.

The sanderling resting briefly fluffed its feathers before running again.

Sanderling in early morning

A sanderling active at dawn.

The sanderling in early morning light followed the tide quietly.

Sanderling feeding quietly

A sanderling eating calmly.

The sanderling feeding quietly focused on tiny crustaceans.

Sanderling across open beaches

A sanderling seen at a distance.

A sanderling across open beaches looked like a small moving dot.

Sanderling watching waves

A sanderling staying alert.

The sanderling watching waves timed each step carefully.

Sanderling in migration

A sanderling traveling seasonally.

The sanderling in migration stopped briefly to refuel along the coast.

Sanderling feeding nonstop

A sanderling eating continuously.

The sanderling feeding nonstop barely paused between waves.

Sanderling near tidal pools

A sanderling using shallow water.

A sanderling near tidal pools probed carefully along the edges.

Sanderling pair

Two sanderlings together.

A sanderling pair foraged side by side along the shore.

Familiar sanderling

A sanderling often seen in the same place.

The familiar sanderling returned each winter to the same beach.

Words Rhyme with sanderling

sing
wing
king
ring
thing
spring
bring
string
fling
sling
sting
cling
swing
starling
darling
snarling
marling
underling
everything
anything
something
nothing
offspring
plaything
bowstring
shoestring
unclench
sensing
cleansing
fencing
POS: Noun  Category: Birds