Sanderlings have one of the widest winter ranges of any shorebird. They are found along the coastlines of all oceans and seas from about 50 degrees north to about 50 degrees south in winter, including both temperate and tropical coastal areas.
In winter they are mainly found along sandy beaches, where they probe for food ahead of and behind waves in the active surf zone.
Sanderlings are found in tightly packed flocks during most of the year. Flocks can be just a handful of individuals to over 80. They flock with other shorebirds during winter and migration. They can run very quickly, something that is especially noticeable when they are following crashing waves up and down the surf zone.
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animaldiversity.org
