General

Surfbird: Medium-sized sandpiper with dark gray upperparts marked with rufous, white rump, and white underparts marked with distinct black chevrons. Upper breast, head, and neck are heavily streaked. Wings are dark with bold white stripes visible in flight. Tail is white with a black triangular tip visible in flight. Sexes are similar. Winter adult has dark gray upperparts, head and breast, distinct white eyebrows and throat, and pale chevrons on white belly.

Range and Habitat

Surfbird: Breeds in rocky mountain tundra throughout Alaska and the Yukon Territory. Found on rocky shores along most of the Pacific coast, from southeastern Alaska to Tierra del Fuego in southern Chile, outside of breeding season.

Listen to Call

Voice Text

"kee-wee", "tee-tee-teet", "krrree-krrree", "tew-tew"

Interesting Facts

 The Surfbird is usually classified in a genus of its own, as Aphriza virgata, but recent data suggests it is very close genetically to the Red and Great Knots and should be included in Calidris genus. Indeed, the Great Knot looks similar to a larger, longer-billed, somewhat darker surfbird.

 They remain on the nest until the last moment, and then fly up in the intruding animal's face, a defense mechanism used on humans as well.

 The USS Surfbird (AM-383) is one of 173 Auk Class minesweepers built during World War II for service in the United States Navy. She was eventually decommissioned and sold. Renamed the Helenka B, she was involved in the March 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill clean up.

 A group of surfbirds are collectively known as a "board" and a "kahuna" of surfbirds.

Author

Gary Owen Dick