Pectoral sandpiper

In the past widely seen as most closely related to sharp-tailed sandpiper, more recent genetic evidence has shown more complex relationships between the species of Calidris, with its closest genetic relatives probably the semipalmated sandpiper and western sandpiper species pair. Cox's sandpiper, originally described as a new species Calidris paramelanotos, has proven to be a stereotyped hybrid between this species and the curlew sandpiper. This does not prove a particularly close relationship between these two species, as far more distantly related waders have produced hybrids. ==Etymology==

The scientific name is from Ancient Greek. The genus name kalidris or skalidris, is a term used by Aristotle for some grey-coloured waterside birds. The specific melanotos is from melas, "black" and notos, "backed". ==Description==

This bird looks similar to the widely sympatric sharp-tailed sandpiper (C. acuminata), which is not however a member of the same clade in the genus. The pectoral sandpiper is a largish calidrid ( in length, with a wingspan of ) in breeding plumage, males also have a blacker breast spotted whitish. The juveniles are more brightly patterned above with rufous coloration and white mantle stripes. This species differs from the sharp-tailed sandpiper in its strong breast band pattern, weaker supercilium and browner, less rufous crown. ==Distribution and ecology==

in Sacramento County, California. It is a very long-distance migrant, and about half of the species breeds in the boggy tundra of northern Asia, the rest nesting in a range from Alaska to central Canada. vagrant individuals were also found in Scotland in suitable breeding habitat during summer. and other invertebrates, as well as seeds. ==References==