THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
THE BIRDS OF SOUTH
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
TEREK SANDPIPER – Xenus cinereus
As with all reports of
rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective
rarities committees
Terek Sandpiper feeds in a distinctive and very active way chasing insects and other mobile prey and sometimes then running to the water's edge to wash its catch. Its long up curved bill makes it very distinctive. As the scientific name 'cinereus' implies, Terek Sandpiper has a grey back, face and breast in all plumages. It is apparently named after the river on which it is found the Terek River in the Caucasus.
There has been one Terek Sandpiper reported from S. Gloucestershire, in;
1986: (1)
On September 20th a presumed adult was found at Severn Beach. This occurrence constitutes the first record of this species for S. Gloucestershire and probably the 26th British record.