Sandpiper, Common European

(Actitis hypoleucos,) a bird of the family Charadriidae of the suborder Limicolae. The common European sandpiper is about 20 cm long and weighs 43–75 g. The grayish brown back has a greenish hue, and the belly is white. The bird is distributed in Europe, Asia (as far south as the Himalayas), and North Africa. It winters in Africa and southern Asia. Sandpipers live along rivers and streams. The bird whistles as it flies from shore to shore, just above the surface of the water. The nest—a pit in the ground—is lined with grass or leaves. A clutch contains four spotted eggs, which are incubated by both the male and the female for 21 to 23 days. The sandpiper feeds on small invertebrates.