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The Wandering
Tattler may not have webbed feet but is a good swimmer.
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Description Considered both a marine bird and shorebird the Wandering Tattler grows to 11 inches long and weighs up to 6oz.
It has
grayish feathers, a white belly, a long beak, and short stocky yellow
legs. The male and female appear very similar. They do not have webbed
feet but are fair swimmers. Their plumage hides them well in the muddy streams and shores from predators. They make a “whit wee
wee wee” or an “ulili” sound which is also their Hawaiian name.
Lifecycle Although a shorebird the 'Ulili breeds inland in Alaska and the Yukon. They nest in rocky areas along mountain
streams. They lay 4 olive colored eggs with
dark brown spots in a nest of twigs, roots, and dry leaves. Both parents
incubates the eggs for 23-25 days and after hatching the chicks fledge within 17-21 days.
Habitat When not breeding inland the Wandering Tattler is found in wetlands, streams,
river mouths on the coast, fish ponds, and human-modified areas
like bird refuges.
Diet The Tattler feeds on aquatic things like, snails, crabs, crustaceans, mollusks,
or even marine worms. The tattler usually eats out of muddy streams
by bobbing their head up and down.
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