spotted sandpiper

American  

noun

1. a North American sandpiper, Actitis macularia, that has brownish-gray upper parts and white underparts, and is spotted with black in the summer.

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spotted sandpiper British  

noun

1. Also called (US): peetweet.  a North American sandpiper, Actitis macularia, having a spotted breast in its breeding plumage

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Etymology

Origin of spotted sandpiper

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

The deluge slowed, the clouds circled counterclockwise, and a flock of spotted sandpipers blew in from the coast.

From Literature

He added to their findings by pointing out a spotted sandpiper that landed on a branch in the river, and adjusted his scope so they could all see it.

From Washington Times

Another dainty person who haunts these same shallows is the spotted sandpiper, the much loved "teeter-tail."

From Project Gutenberg

Speaking of courtship after marriage, I am reminded of a spotted sandpiper, whose capers I amused myself with watching, one day last June, on the shore of Saco Lake.

From Project Gutenberg

This class includes the little spotted sandpipers which you often see running or flying along the shores of a river or lake.

From Project Gutenberg