Common permanent resident in freshwater marshes and managed impoundments around Back Bay, rarely observed elsewhere in the city. Most often heard from spring through fall, and most often seen during the summer months at Back Bay NWR, though occasionally observed at Princess Anne WMA, and along roads leading up to the western bayshore (Horn Point, Campbell’s Landing). Back and wing feathers edged with strong orange-brown coloration, which differentiates King from the gray-edged Clapper. Habitat preference is also useful in separating the two species when heard-only.

Common permanent resident in salt & brackish marshes of the city. Most commonly observed from Pleasure House Point Natural Area, as the Lynnhaven River and its tidal tributaries provide prime habitat for this species. Owl’s Creek and the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River also harbor this species year-round. Rarely observed away from these areas, though in migration Clapper Rail can pop up in unusual locations such as on the CBBT islands, the jetties of Rudee Inlet, even along the resort area boardwalk. Differentiation from similar King Rail can not reliably be performed by vocals alone, but by sight, Clapper shows extensive gray edging to its back and wing feathers, while King shows an almost orange-brown coloration which allows for easy separation. Notable records include: 1, Stallion Village, 9 Apr 2019 (ph. Elena Bersani); 1, Back Bay NWR, 31 Oct 2014 (ph. Rob Bielawski).

Uncommon to common winter resident and transient (30 Oct-15 Apr), mostly around freshwater marshes of Back Bay. Most commonly observed at Back Bay NWR, the kayak launch portion of Little Island Park, and along Horn Point Road. Less frequently, individuals are found at Princess Anne WMA. Much smaller than Clapper & King Rail, Virginia shows a much grayer face, brighter red bill, and a large head proportional to the rest of the body. Most easily observed in the aftermath of snowfall & ice-up events where the species is drawn to any available open water.

Common transient and uncommon winter resident (20 Aug-20 May), mostly around freshwater marshes & tributary ditches near Back Bay. More often heard than seen, with most recent reports being vocalizing individuals at Little Island Park’s kayak launch area, along Horn Point Road, and at Back Bay NWR. A small rail, roughly similar in size to Virginia Rail, and considerably smaller than King Rail which can be found in the same habitat. Yellow bill and black facial mask are distinct features, as is the black, brown and white patterning on the wings and back, which differs from the yellow & white etching of smaller Yellow Rail.

Fairly rare transient; rare summer and rarer winter resident within densely vegetated, freshwater marshes, mostly around Back Bay. A secretive species, most records tend to occur at Back Bay NWR, False Cape SP, and Princess Anne WMA on the western bay shore. Similar in structure and size to American Coot, but shows bright red forehead plate and bill base, with yellow bill tip, whereas American Coot shows a white plate and bill with slight black edging near the tip. White flank stripe on Common Gallinule also evident on individuals both in flight and at rest.

Common winter resident and common to abundant spring and fall transient (5 Oct-25 May) on freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, and ditches throughout the city. Possibly a very rare breeder in densely vegetated freshwater marshes at Princess Anne WMA or Back Bay NWR, but no confirmed records in recent years. Superficially similar only to Common Gallinule, which is rarer and present typically from Apr-Oct, so not a great deal of time overlap between the two species’ occurrence. Common Gallinule has a red forehead plate and bill base, with a yellow tip, while American Coot shows an all white bill with slight amount of black just short of the tip. Common Gallinule also shows a white flank stripe.

Rare spring and very rare fall visitor. Truly unmistakable when observed. Massive, all yellow feet allow Purple Gallinule to easily traverse aquatic vegetation, and this species is at home in any densely vegetated, freshwater habitat. Bright pumple head and chest, aquarmarine back and teal wings distinctive, as is the blue forehead plate, which contrasts sharply with the red bill base and yellow bill tip. Recent records include: 1 immature, Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract, 6 Oct 2019 (ph. Rob Bielawski); 1 adult, Princess Anne WMA Beasley Tract, 16-29 May 2016 (ph. Rob Bielawski).

Rare spring transient (extreme dates 14 Apr-14 May) and rarer winter visitor. Unmistakably large, and could only reasonably be confused with Great Blue Heron at a distance since both can forage in fields. Sandhill Crane shows red crown and gray body with variable rusty coloration, unlike the more colorful Great Blue Heron. In flight, hold head and legs straight out, unlike Great Blue Heron which typically folds neck (though occasionally does not). Recent records include: 2, Blackwater Road at West Gibbs Road, 5 May 2020 (ph. Anonymous Property Owner fide Andrew Baldelli); 1, Alanton, 23 Jun 2019 (ph. Wendy Anoia); 1, Muddy Creek Rd. at Shipps Cabin Rd., 14 Apr 2019 (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty); 1, Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract, 3 Mar 2019 (ph. Steve Myers); 2, Muddy Creek Rd., 4-14 May 2017 (obs. Clark Olsen).

Fairly rare spring and rare fall transient (extreme dates 14 Apr-14 Jun; 22 Aug-20 Nov); very rare summer visitor with no recent breeding records. Most records are from Back Bay NWR, with scattered individuals observed in appropriate habitat at Princess Anne WMA and various flooded fields in southern Virginia Beach. Recent records include: 1, Back Bay NWR, 22 Apr-13 May 2020 (ph. Cindy Hamilton & Steve Keith); 1, False cape SP, 10 May 2020 (ph. Marlee Fuller-Morris); 1, Lynnhaven Inlet, 10 May 2019 (vis. Andrew Baldelli); 1, Marina Shores, 3 May 2019 (ph. June McDaniels); 2, Back Bay NWR, 25-28 Apr 2019 (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Edward Brinkley); 1, Back Bay NWR, 25-26 May 2018 (obs. Robert Ake); 1, Maple Street Wetlands, 28 Apr-13 May 2017 (ph. Andrew Baldelli); 1, Drum Point Rd., 8 May 2017 (obs. Andrew Baldelli); 1, Back Bay NWR, 26 Apr 2017 (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Mary Catherine Miguez).

Rare spring and fall transient, mostly observed on tidal mudflats (Pleasure House Point NA) and in managed impoundments (Back Bay NWR). Small wader showing unmistakable, up-turned, needle-like bill, bright white & black wing pattern. In spring, features robust rust coloration on chest, neck & head, while in fall this is replaced with white. Recent records include: 1, Pleasure House Point NA, 11 Jul 2020 (vis. James Flynn); 1, Back Bay NWR, 2 Oct 2019 (ph. Eric Alton); 1, Back Bay NWR, 25 Jul 2019 (ph. Charlie Bruggemann); 1, Lynnhaven Bay, 20-23 Aug 2018 (obs. Andrew Baldelli); 1, Back Bay NWR, 15 Mar 2018 (obs. David Hughes / Loretta Silvia / Darol & Tony Wood); 2, Back Bay NWR, 3 Aug 2017 (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty and Robert Wood).

Common winter resident and transient; uncommon summer resident, mostly around Lynnhaven Inlet. Unmistakable body shape features large orange-red bill, black neck & head, yellow eye with oblong pupil and vivid red orbital ring. The only species one could confuse this with is Eurasian Oystercatcher, which has never been recorded this far south, and only has a few records in Newfoundland. That species has a jet black back that matches the coloration of the head, whereas American Oystercatcher has a brown back and wings.

Common transient and fairly rare winter visitor (15 Jul-10 Jun); rare summer visitor along our coastline. Very similar to American Golden-Plover, which shows daintier bill, bolder white eyebrow/supercilium, more extensive golden flecks in the back and wings, and lacks the dark armpits of Black-bellied Plover.

Rare fall (extreme dates 3 Aug-8 Oct) and very rare spring transient; rare early winter lingerer. Most often reported from agricultural fields and managed impoundments showing extensive, short grass. Very similar to Black-bellied Plover, but with proportionally smaller head and daintier bill. Much stronger white eyebrow, and a more bug-eyed appearance. Extensive golden flecks across shoulder, back and wings, and lacks the dark armpits of Black-bellied Plover in flight. Recent records include: 1, Back Bay NWR, 29 Sep 2019 (ph. Amresh Vaidya & Jonathan Snyder); 1, Muddy Creek Rd., 13 Sep 2018 (ph. Rob & Ruth Bielawski); 2-3, Back Bay NWR, 23-26 Sep 2017 (obs. Andrew Baldelli & Tracy Tate).

Common spring and fall transient (10 Apr-10 Jun, 15 Jul-15 Nov); rare winter, and even rarer summer visitor. Most often observed along beaches, or foraging in flooded fields and managed impoundments. Similar to Killdeer at a glance, but Semipalmated Plover is much smaller, has only a single dark breast band (as opposed to Killdeer’s two), and has an orange base to the bill. Common Ringed-Plover is the most similar species, but this has yet to be recorded in Virginia.

Uncommon spring and fall transient (15 Mar-15 May, 15 Jul-15 Oct), mostly observed along beaches of False Cape SP, Back Bay NWR, and Little Island Park. Less frequently observed foraging in managed impoundments (mostly immatures in fall) at Back Bay NWR. Very similar in size and structure to Semipalmated Plover, but much brighter white overall, and with higher contrast between breast band and surrounding body.

Common permanent resident, though less so outside spring and fall migration windows. A large plover, most similar in appearance to Semipalmated Plover but with double breast band, bulkier, all black bill, vivid red orbital ring around large black eye, and significantly larger, more robust build. Most often found in agricultural fields, though Killdeer also frequents parking lots and gravel surfaces.

Uncommon spring and fall transient (15 Apr-25 May, 10 Jul-20 Sep); rare early winter lingerer. Most often observed during migration windows in flight along the coast, occasionally drops in the flooded fields and managed impoundments (Back Bay NWR, Princess Anne WMA). Long, down-curved bill and extensive brown and white barring across body are distinct to this species. At a distance, could be confused for immature White Ibis or Glossy Ibis, but both species lack the body patterning and extensive white eyebrow of Whimbrel.

Rare fall and very rare spring transient. Similar in size and structure to Marbled Godwit, which is more expected but nonetheless still rarely observed in Virginia Beach. Hudsonian shows less barring and lacks the cinnamon tones of Marbled. Recent records include: 1, Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract, 6 Oct 2019 (ph. Andrew Baldelli).

Rare fall and very rare spring transient. Recent records include: 1, Back Bay NWR, 13 Sep 2019 (ph. Eric Alton); 1, Dam Neck Naval Annex (Restricted Access), 30 Aug 2019 (ph. Paul Block); 1, Rudee Inlet, 24 Aug 2019 (vis. Andrew Baldelli); 1-2, Back Bay NWR, 6 Aug-6 Sep 2018 (1, obs. David Hughes & Lauren Mowbray); 3, Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract, 12 Aug 2018 (ph. Rob Bielawski); 1, Back Bay NWR, 18 Sep 2017 (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Jason Strickland); 1, Pleasure House Point NA, 22-26 Aug 2017 (ph. Nancy Barnhart, Jan Lockwood & Joyce Lowry); 1, Back Bay NWR, 23-24 Jun 2017 (ph. Rob Bielawski).

Common transient and uncommon to but very local winter resident on CBBT islands (10 Jul-10 Jun); fairly rare along mainland outside of migration windows and rare away from immediate coastline in any season. Striking plumage and bright orange/red legs set this species apart from other shorebirds while in breeding/alternate plumage. In non-breeding/basic plumage, shows similar patterning but colors are much less vivid.

Common spring (5 May-5 Jun) & uncommon fall (20 Jul-25 Sep) transient along the immediate coastline where it is also a rare winter visitor; rare in any season inland. In breeding plumage, brilliant brick red stomach, chest, neck and face differentiate it immediately from all other shorebirds, though colors alone could cause confusion with Dowitchers. Red Knot has a much shorter, sturdier bill than either Dowitcher species though, and it is a much larger shorebird overall.

Rare spring and uncommon fall (20 Jul-25 Oct) transient. Often mixes with Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs while foraging in waterlogged fields and impoundments. Long legs allow it to feed in wetter habitat than most smaller shorebirds (Least, Semipalmated, Pectoral, etc.). Strong barring across stomach and chest mostly present in spring plumage, but starts to wear off during fall migration. Long, droopy bill similar to Dunlin, but much more slender, upright build when walking.

Common transient and winter resident, uncommon summer visitor; rare in any season away from immediate coastline. A larger shorebirds than the other “peeps” (Calidris-genus shorebirds). Lacks the hind toe that Least, Semipalmated, and Western Sandpipers show. Bulkier bill than these species as well, and simply more robust build. Almost exclusively found on beaches, and rarely observed in impoundments or agricultural fields.

Common to abundant transient and uncommon winter resident (5 Sep-30 May), primarily in Lynnhaven River estuary; rare away from immediate coastline in all seasons. Slightly smaller than Sanderling, but larger than other peeps. In breeding plumage, shows large, black stomach patch and streaked chest. Longish bill, with droop near the end in unique among our expected shorebirds species, and has less curvature overall than Stilt Sandpiper. In winter, drab brown overall helps it stand out among Sanderlings, the only other small shorebird species present in the same habitat at that season.

Locally common transient and winter resident on CBBT islands; rare transient and winter visitor along mainland coast of Virginia Beach, with most records occurring on armored shorelines at JEB Fort Story and Rudee Inlet where the species forages among aquatic vegetation. Similar in size to Sanderling, combination of orange legs, orange bill base which gradually blends to black at the tip, and purplish-gray body plumage unique. Notable records include: 1-3, Rudee Inlet, 17-29 Nov 2019 (1, ph. Rob Bielawski); 1, Rudee Inlet, 16 Jan-18 Feb 2019 (ph. Reuben Rohn).

Rare fall and very rare spring transient. Found typically in grassy impoundments and vegetated edges of mudflats, Baird’s Sandpiper can also show up on coastal beaches (mostly immatures) during the fall season. Superficially most similar to White-rumped Sandpiper due to having long wings that extend beyond the tail while on the ground. Large black wing coverts, and lack of orange at base of lower mandible, along with more brownish cast to chest, neck and head, help to differentiate from White-rumped Sandpiper. Very lengthy, horizontally, when foraging which makes it appear to be a “stretched-out” version of other small peeps.

Common spring (30 Mar-30 May) and fall (5 Jul-15 Nov) transient. Most frequently observed on managed impoundments and in muddy fields, but can also present along beaches and rock jetties in migration. Much smaller than similar Pectoral Sandpiper, with all black, slightly down-curved bill as opposed to having the orange base to the bill that Pectoral shows. Yellow legs help to differentiate from similar Semipalmated Sandpiper, which has all black legs.

Fairly rare spring (30 Apr-10 Jun) and fairly rare to uncommon fall (5 Aug-5 Nov) transient; rare summer visitor. Most frequently observed on managed impoundments (Back Bay NWR, Princess Anne WMA) and in agricultural fields with ponding or that have been recently tilled. Most similar in structure to Baird’s Sandpiper, as both species host long wings, which extend beyond tail tip while walking or at rest. Linear dots on chest and neck have crisp borders against contrasting white, unless on Baird’s Sandpiper which has a brownish wash to this area. Small orange/red patch at base of lower mandible is distinctive as well. Notable records include: 1, Back Bay NWR, 23 Jun 2017 (ph. Mary Catherine Miguez).

Rare fall and very rare spring transient. Most often observed on short grass or muddy impoundments and agricultural fields. Vertically-oriented posture, and small head (reminiscent of Mourning Dove) are distinct among shorebirds. Most individuals observed are immatures undertaking their first fall migration. Immatures show extensive white edging to back and wing coverts. Recent records include: 1, Back Bay NWR, 14-19 Oct 2019 (ph. Cindy Hamilton); 1, Back Bay NWR, 4 Sep 2017 (ph. Andrew Baldelli);

Fairly rare spring (25 Mar-30 May) and uncommon to common fall (15 Jul-15 Nov) transient; fall individuals are mostly immatures. Most often observed on grassy mudflats in agriculture fields (Shipps Cabin, Muddy Creek Roads) and on managed impoundments (Back Bay NWR, Princess Anne WMA) where they forage alongside other sandpipers and plovers.

Common transient (15 Apr-10 Jun, 10 Jul-30 Oct); rare summer visitor mostly along beaches. Like other peeps, most records occur in flight along the coast, or on managed impoundments or agricultural fields with ponding & mud available for foraging. Often mixed with other species, and most similar in size and structure to Western Sandpiper and Least Sandpiper. Least has yellow legs though, which makes separation quick in good light and at a reasonable distance. Western has black legs, but a longer, slightly drooped bill (not as long as Dunlin). Semipalmated’s bill is short, straight, and blunt. This species also has a hind toe, which is one useful mark for eliminating the much larger Sanderling when the species are not observed close to one another for good comparison.

Uncommon to fairly rare fall (10 Jul-5 Oct) and rare spring transient; very rare winter resident along immediate coast, though not reported annually in this season despite known occurrence north and south of Virginia Beach along the East Coast. Prefers mudflats to beaches, though can pop up during migration on either, or in partially waterlogged agricultural fields. Most similar to Semipalmated Sandpiper, but shows longer, droopy bill, more slender body structure with longer-feeling legs, and shows reddish shoulder patch until it wears off, typically in Aug/Sep.

Common transient (30 Mar-5 Jun, 5 Jul-30 Oct); rare winter visitor, mostly on impoundments at Back Bay NWR. Very similar in habits and appearance to Long-billed Dowitcher (see below). Bill is shorter, but without direct comparison, is difficult (if not impossible) to use as a true field identification mark. Body shape when feeding is helpful, with Short-billed appearing much more slender, with the highest point of its body while feeding above the shoulder (as opposed to Long-billed where the point is at the middle of the back, giving a very chunky appearance).

Rare transient and winter visitor to mudflats and impoundments, mostly near the coast. Very similar to Short-billed Dowitcher, and difficult to differentiate in some cases even when flocks mix. Long-billed showed extensive red on the underside all the way to the tail, with dark barring, heaviest at the chest. Scapulars and wing coverts show black circle with white tips and orange sides. When foraging, Long-billed appears much chunkier than Short-billed, with a peak at the mid-back, rather than at the shoulder. Recent records include: 1, Princess Anne WMA Beasley Tract, 28 Apr 2020 (vis. Andrew Baldelli); 1-5, Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract, 7-13 Apr 2020 (1, ph. Rob Bielawski); 1, Back Bay NWR, 16 Sep-29 Oct 2019 (vis. Andrew Baldelli); 5, Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract, 22 Apr 2018 (ph. Rob Bielawski & Lisa Rose).

Uncommon but very secretive transient and winter resident (10 Oct-5 May); rare summer resident. Most often observed vocalizing at night from bog and drier marshes (Lotus Pond Park), and most easily seen during snowfall events when the species is driven out of its preferred woodland habitat towards any open edges of roadways, trails, or parking lots. Long bill could cause confusion with dowitchers at a distance, but note habitat differences and cryptic camouflage pattern across body to blend in with fallen leaves. Similar in plumage to Wilson’s Snipe, but much chunkier, and with pink bill instead of black bill.

Common transient and uncommon, but secretive winter resident (25 Aug-10 May). Occasionally, very early fall arrivals are detected in early Aug. Observed most often in muddy fields or along vegetated ditches with exposed shorelines. Most easily found during snowfall and ice-up events that help to funnel individuals to areas of open water / available mud for foraging. Bright yellow legs, longer, dark bill, and slimmer build separate from American Woodcock. Camouflaged patterning and intricate facial striping differentiate Wilson’s Snipe from both species of dowitchers.

Rare fall transient. Not recorded annually in the city, but likely passes through each fall season. Most reports occur at Back Bay NWR on slightly waterlogged impoundments Jul-Sep. Slimmer bill helps to separate from Red Phalarope. Recent records include: 1, Back Bay NWR, 18 Sep 2017 (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Jason Strickland).

Rare spring and fall transient. Typically observed from land only during tropical cyclones, or extended periods of onshore wind that drive the species inshore. Very slim, needle-like bill is similar to that of Wilson’s, but much lighter than that of Red Phalarope. In spring, bright red neck white cheek patch, and gray cap are helpful in eliminating other species. In fall and winter, interwoven black and gray patches on back differentiate from the cleaner gray of Red Phalarope. Recent records include: 1, North End Beaches, 20-25 May 2020 (vis. Edward Brinkley); 1-4, Rudee Inlet, 19-22 May 2020 (1, ph. Cindy Hamilton, Steve Keith & Kathy Louthan); 10, Little Island Park, 21 May 2020 (vis. Edward Brinkley); 2-6, Back Bay NWR, 21 May 2020 (5, ph. Andrew Baldelli, Adam D’Onofrio & Wes Teets); 2-6, Lynnhaven Inlet, 6 Sep 2019 (2, vis. Todd Day & Ian Topolsky); 109, Fort Story JEB (Restricted Access), 6 Sep 2019 (ph. Andrew Baldelli / Rob Bielawski / Karl Suttmann); 23, Little Creek Reservoir, 6 Sep 2019 (ph. Andrew Baldelli / Rob Bielawski / Karl Suttmann).

Rare transient inshore, and uncommon transient and winter resident in offshore waters. Most frequently encountered on pelagic birding trips during the winter season, and only rarely found on small ponds during migration, mostly following strong low pressure systems and persistent onshore winds. Unmistakable in breeding plumage, showing almost a full red body compared to other phalaropes. In winter plumage, light, consistently gray back contrasts greatly with the black and gray patterning of Red-necked Phalarope. Heavier bill also useful at close range, but not always visible at a distance. Recent records include: 1, First Landing SP, 12 Oct 2018 (ph. Kathy Spencer).

Common spring and fall transient (15 Apr-5 Jun, 5 Jul-15 Oct); rare summer visitor and early winter lingerer. Typically the first of the shorebirds to return in the “fall” season, Spotted Sandpiper’s arrival tends to signal the beginning of the fall shorebirding season. Most similar to Solitary Sandpiper, though that species lacks the spotting on the stomach and chest, and instead has spotting on the back and wings (note also the orange bill of Spotted compared to the black bill of Solitary). In fall, most individuals observed are immatures which lack the spotting but show extensive barring on the back to help differentiate from Solitary. Both species have similar habit of tail-bobbing as they forage, so behavior alone isn’t always a good indicator of species.

Common spring and fall transient (10 Apr-20 May, 15 Jul-20 Oct). Most often observed in fields and managed impoundments, but can be found on floating vegetation of local ponds, and even on beaches. Similar in size and structure to Spotted Sandpiper, but lacking the large, black spots on the stomach and chest of that species and showing a more greenish yellow leg color than the more orange of Spotted. Similar also to Lesser & Greater Yellowlegs, but not as vertically-aligned as either species while standing, and legs not as bright.

Common transient and less common winter resident; uncommon summer visitor. Transients frequent impoundments, tidal estuaries, and flooded fields, while winterers and summer visitors tend to be found only around tidal areas (Lynnhaven River). Very similar in appearance to Lesser Yellowlegs, but much more robust build, and larger size easily distinguishes the two species when observed together. Singly, Greater Yellowlegs shows a longer bill with some curvature to it, rather than the shorter, more linear bill of Lesser Yellowlegs. Leg color distinguishes Greater Yellowlegs from somewhat similar “Eastern” Willet during the breeding season, when both species can share the same habitat.

Two subspecies, Eastern and Western, are found in the city at differing time windows. Eastern is likely a fairly rare breeder in the Lynnhaven River estuary, and present from mid-April through September. Western is a fairly rare winter resident and transient on beaches and tidal shorelines in Virginia Beach, though it is very common along the coast of the Eastern Shore to our north. Both subspecies are most similar to Greater Yellowlegs among shorebirds, but leg color (gray) of Willets, and straight, bulkier bill immediately differentiate these species.

Common spring and fall transient (20 Mar-30 May, 10 Jul-20 Nov); rare winter visitor. Most often observed in flight along the coast, or foraging on managed impoundments, tidally-exposed mudflats and in agricultural field. Very similar in appearance to Greater Yellowlegs, but much smaller, and daintier in body structure. Bill has no curvature to it, and is therefore straight, and shorter than that of Greater Yellowlegs. Bright yellow legs differentiate this species from similar Solitary Sandpiper, which has greenish yellow legs. Call is a two note “tew tew” rather than the three note call of Greater.