Sanctuary | Photo Feature
The Terek Sandpiper
Xenus cinereus is a small, migratory
species which boasts of having its
own, exclusive genus Xenus. It has a
medium-sized up-curved beak, which
is unique among sandpipers. The bird
uses the beak to probe in the sand,
pecking at the surface and sometimes
can also be seen chasing prey on the
surface. It feeds mainly on larvae
and other marine invertebrates and
sometimes it even feeds on seeds.
Like the Avocet, it uses a sweeping
movement to scan the soft mud. It
has been observed to wash its prey in
water before swallowing it.
Arpit Parekh
The Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucos is a relatively small
wader. Its broad diet range changes
with its wide-ranging habitat. It
forages on the ground or in shallow
water, picking up small food items
such as insects, crustaceans and other
invertebrates that are on the surface
or resort to digging in the mud; and is
also capable of catching insects mid-
fl ight. It rarely hunts in open waters.
Dr. Sudhir Gaikwad