Very similar in appearance to the Long-Billed Dowitcher but has only been recorded once in our checklist area. Given the similarities between the species, Short-billed Dowitchers may get overlooked from time to time among the Long-billed Dowitchers that occur regularly in our area. It may not be surprising that Short-billed Dowitchers are considered to be more closely associated with salt water than the Long-billed Dowitcher. Breeds to the north in wet meadows and boreal forest bogs. Migrates south for the winter from central California to Peru in South America.

Similar species:
Very similar to the Long-billed Dowitcher. Breeding plumaged birds can be challenging to tell apart. Long-billed has more orange on the sides and belly while the Short-billed is whiter along the belly. Despite Short-billed often having shorter bills, length of bill not a safe identification tool as length can vary between the two species. Juveniles much more readily identified. Short-billed are brighter overall and have patterned tertial feathers (in the wings) where Long-billed are plain. See photos below. .

Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Sibley, D. 2000

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