Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a large geographic range size (extent of occurrence >4 million km2 in both the breeding and non-breeding seasons), and so does not approach Criterion B thresholds. It also has a relatively large estimated population size (140,000-150,000 mature individuals; Partners in Flight 2023), and so does not approach Criteria C or D thresholds. Considering its population trend over three generations (c. 15 years), data from the Christmas Bird Count (Meehan et al. 2022) indicate that it has been broadly stable following a long-term decline, albeit with interannual fluctuations. Over the same period, Partners in Flight (2023) reports a decline of c. 10%, albeit with large confidence intervals. Although the population has declined and may still be declining, it does not currently appear to be declining at a rate approaching Criterion A thresholds. Hence, the species continues to warrant listing as Least Concern.
Population justification
It also has a relatively large estimated population size (140,000-145,000 mature individuals; Partners in Flight 2023, Wetlands international 2023).
Trend justification
Considering its population trend over three generations (c. 15 years), data from the Christmas Bird Count (Meehan et al. 2022) indicate that it has been broadly stable following a long-term decline, albeit with interannual fluctuations. Over the same period, Partners in Flight (2023) reports a decline of c. 10%, albeit with large confidence intervals. Although the population has declined and may still be declining, it does not currently appear to be declining at a rate approaching Criterion A thresholds.
Breeds along Alaska's (USA) coastal habitats from the northern Seward Peninsula to the Aleutian Archipelago and islands in the western Gulf of Alaska. In the Palearctic, they breed on the Chukotsky Peninsula, Commander Islands, and southern Kamchatka Peninsula (Russia). During winter, they frequent coastal Alaska, including the Aleutians and the Alaska Peninsula's estuaries, occasionally venturing as far south as British Columbia (Canada). They are rarely seen outside Alaska during the breeding season, with sporadic sightings in south-central Alaska to central Oregon (Gill et al. 2020)
This species is considered highly susceptible to oil spills, ranking among the most vulnerable shorebirds in northern North America (King and Sanger 1979). Given their predominant habitat in tidal zones, oil spills pose a significant threat to individuals in affected areas. Additionally, climate change poses risks due to its amplified effects in the Arctic and subarctic regions where they reside. However, according to Galbraith et al. (2014), the species is projected to face a relatively lower increase in extinction risk from climate change compared to other factors.
Text account compilers
Butchart, S., Chad, E., Ekstrom, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Rock Sandpiper Calidris ptilocnemis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rock-sandpiper-calidris-ptilocnemis on 23/11/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 23/11/2024.