Quiz: How Many Shorebirds Can You Identify?

Most birdwatchers can identify common backyard birds. But you’re not alone if shorebirds trip you up. How many of these waders can you identify? Put your shorebird identification skills to the test with this quiz.

Quiz: How many female birds can you identify?

1. Small Threatened Shorebird

Courtesy Chuck Gloman

Answer: Piping Plover

Look for plover birds both on (and off) the shore.

2. The Loner of the Group

Courtesy Cassidy Plagman

Answer: Solitary Sandpiper

3. Beachcomber With a Bright Bill

Courtesy Kieran Barlow

Answer: American Oystercatcher

4. Secretive Swamp Bird

Courtesy Nancy Brown

Answer: Wilson’s Snipe

We love these swamp birds! Learn more about how to identify the American woodcock and Wilson’s Snipe.

5. Patterned Plumage

Courtesy Nancy Jones

Answer: Spotted Sandpiper

6. Coastal Shorebird

Courtesy Dani Toussaint

Answer: Willet

Want to see more beach birds and coastal fliers? Discover the best beach birding locations.

7. Rosy Pink Legs

Courtesy Jean Oedewaldt

Answer: Black-necked Stilt

8. The Ground-Nester

Courtesy Richard Carlson

Answer: Killdeer

Here’s everything you need to know about a killdeer bird.

9. Long-Distance Migrant

Courtesy Trisha Snider

Answer: Dunlin

10. Graceful and Elegant

Courtesy Megan Migues

Answer: American Avocet

11. Songbird Sized Shorebird

Courtesy Debbie Parker

Answer: Semipalmated Plover

12. Long and Lanky

Courtesy Joshua Cotten

Answer: Lesser Yellowlegs

Next, take our caterpillar quiz to see how many types you can identify.