Charadriiformes / Scolopacidae / Limnodromus
Asian Dowitcher
Limnodromus semipalmatus · 半蹼鹬
Introduction
A rare medium-large wader in the genus Limnodromus. Breeds in grassy wetlands of inland Siberia and Manchuria, migrating to coasts of Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Distinctive for its 'sewing machine' probing foraging technique and yelping call.
Description
Adults have dark legs and a long, straight, dark bill, somewhat shorter than that of the long-billed dowitcher. Breeding plumage features a brown back and reddish underparts. The tail displays a black and white barred pattern. Winter plumage is largely grey.
Identification
Closely resembles a small bar-tailed godwit but is distinguished by its 'sewing machine' feeding action and yelping call. Larger than American dowitchers, which do not overlap in range.
Distribution & Habitat
Breeds in grassy wetlands in inland Siberia and Manchuria. Migrates to Southeast Asia, reaching as far south as northern Australia. Always found on coasts during migration and wintering periods.
Behavior & Ecology
Forages by probing in shallow water or on wet mud using a distinctive 'sewing machine' action. Diet consists mainly of insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and marine worms, with some plant material. Emits a yelping call.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Scolopacidae
- Genus
- Limnodromus
Distribution
breeds inland wetlands from southwestern Siberia and eastern Kazakhstan, (probably) northern Mongolia to southeastern Siberia, and northeastern China; winters coastal southern Thailand, Malayan Peninsula, Indonesian Archipelago, and northern Australia
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
