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Calidrid

Calidrids
Dunlin Calidris alpina
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order:Charadriiformes
Family†:Scolopacidae
Genera
Calidris
Eurynorhynchus
Limicola
Micropalama
Tryngites
Philomachus
Aphriza
† see also: wader

The calidrids and their allies are a group of Arctic breeding, strongly migratory wading birds. These birds form huge mixed flocks on coasts and estuaries in winter. They are the typical "peeps", small to medium-sized, long-winged and relatively short-billed.

Their bills have sensitive tips which enable them to locate buried prey items, which they typically seek with restless running and probing.

There are a number of species closely related to the calidrids which are detailed at the end of the main list. The Stilt Sandpiper, Micropalama himantopus, has particular resemblances to the calidrid sandpipers, especially Curlew Sandpiper, and is sometimes given the scientific name Calidris himantopus.

Species are: