Birds of India - The New Synopsis

A complete checklist of bird species and subspecies found in India

Charadriiformes (Shorebirds, Gulls, and Terns)

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers)

• Numenius Brisson, 1760 Ornithologia sive synopsis methodica sistens avium divisionem in ordines, sectiones, genera, species, ipsarumaque varietates 1 p.48;5, p.311 Numenius Brisson ; Type by tautonymy = Scolopax arquata Linnaeus, 1758
  • 222. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus (Linnaeus, 1758)
    Alternative Names: [Eurasian Whimbrel]
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    • 222a. Numenius phaeopus phaeopus (Linnaeus, 1758) [HB#385]
      Original Description: Scolopax Phaeopus Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.146
      Distribution: Winter: Throughout W and E coast apart from the coasts of Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Is. Rare inland during passage.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, FMNH, USNM
      Notes: See Engelmoer & Roselaar (1998, Geographical Variation in Waders p. 211). Migration patterns not worked out. A satellite tracked bird from Round Island crossed C India before spending its northern summer in Bangladesh Sundarbans.
    • [Numenius phaeopus alboaxillaris Lowe, 1921 ]
      Original Description: Numenius phaeopus alboaxillaris Lowe, 1921 Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 41, no. 259 p.110
      Distribution: Gujarat and W coast; Lakshadweep Is.
      Notes: Some specimens of the nominate subspecies from the region likely to be of this subspecies.
    • [Numenius phaeopus rogachevae Tomkovich, 2008 ]
      Original Description: Numenius phaeopus rogachevae Tomkovich, 2008 Zoologicheskii Zhurnal 87 no.9 p.1097
      Taxonomy: Recent description. Re-evaluation of specimens from the region required.
      Distribution: Indian coast line.
      Notes: A satellite tracked bird from Singapore made a stop-over in Odisha coast and bred in the transition zone between the nominate subspecies and this species.
    • [Numenius phaeopus variegatus (Scopoli, 1786) [HB#386]]
      Original Description: Tantalus variegatus Scopoli, 1786 Deliciae Florae et Faunae Insubricae 2 p.92
      Distribution: S W Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Is., and NE India.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, ROM, USNM, YPM
      Notes: No definitive specimens identified (RA2012) but possible on migration. Currently listed specimens from various museums need re-examination and re-assignment to the right subspecies.
  
  
  • 223. Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata (Linnaeus, 1758)
    Alternative Names: Curlew
    IUCN: Near Threatened. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    • [Numenius arquata arquata (Linnaeus, 1758) ]
      Original Description: Scolopax Arquata Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.145
      Distribution: Gujarat and probably W coast; Lakshadweep Is.
      Specimens: FMNH, ROM
      Notes: Past claims from W India unverified or now discounted (Abdulali 1970, JBNHS 67 (1): 51; AR2001). Currently listed specimens need re-examination and re-assignment to the correct subspecies. However, this subspecies is still likely during migration.
    • 223a. Numenius arquata orientalis Brehm, 1831 [HB#388]
      Original Description: Numenius orientalis Brehm, 1831 Handbuch der Naturgeschichte aller Vögel Deutschlands p.610
      Distribution: Winter: Throughout W and E coast apart from the coasts of Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Is. Occurs locally along large water-bodies in Indo-Gangetic and Brahmaputra plains as well as large inland lakes in NW India, C India, N Deccan as well as Manipur valley.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, YPM
      Notes: All regional wintering birds assumed to be this subspecies but more critical examination, with ringing studies, required.
    • [Numenius arquata suschkini Neumann, 1929 ]
      Original Description: Numenius arquata suschkini Neumann, 1929 Ornithologische Monatsberichte 37 p.76
      Taxonomy: Not always recognised but see Engelmoer & Roselaar (1998, Geographical Variation in Waders p. 223).
      Distribution: W coast.
      Notes: Likely during migration.
  
  
• Limosa Brisson, 1760 Ornithologia sive synopsis methodica sistens avium divisionem in ordines, sectiones, genera, species, ipsarumaque varietates 1 p.48;5, p.261 Limosa Brisson ; Type by tautonymy = Scolopax limosa Linnaeus, 1758
  • 224. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica (Linnaeus, 1758)
    Original Description: Scolopax lapponica Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.147
    IUCN: Near Threatened. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    Notes: Regional specimens previously considered as taymyrensis but now need re-evaluation after Bom et al. (2022, Ibis 164 (2): 481) discovered yamalensis staging in W India and true taymyrensis being restricted to the migrant population that visits W Africa. Systematic review required to identify the right subspecies that occur in W India and its winter distribution – range statements reflect the former assignment.
    • 224a. Limosa lapponica yamalensis Bom et al., 2021
      Original Description: Limosa lapponica yamalensis Bom et al., 2021 Ibis 164 (2): p.481
      Taxonomy: New subspecies carved out of taymyrensis Engelmoer & Roselaar 1998. Note, the description was published online with a DOI in 2021, while the full issue of the journal was only available in 2022.
      Distribution: Winter: NW Indian coasts.
      Notes: Ring recovery of a Kachchh bird at Tyumen, S Russia (Balachandran et al. 2018, Indian Bird Migration Atlas p. 97) indicates a possible passage to the breeding grounds of this subspecies as this site is near to the migration stopover sites in Bom et al. (2022, Ibis 164 (2): 475).
    • [Limosa lapponica taymyrensis Engelmoer & Roselaar, 1998 [HB#391]]
      Original Description: Limosa lapponica taymyrensis Engelmoer & Roselaar, 1998 Geographical variation in waders p.197
      Distribution: Winter: Entire coastal India including Andaman Is.
      Notes: Retained here as tentative pending further investigations.
    • 224b. Limosa lapponica menzbieri Portenko, 1936
      Original Description: Limosa lapponica menzbieri Portenko, 1936 The Auk 53 p.195
      Taxonomy: Subspecies anadyrensis Engelmoer & Roselaar 1998 treated as an intermediate population between this taxon and baueri – and treated here under this subspecies.
      Distribution: Winter: Nicobar Is. (Vagrant?).
      Specimens: BNHS
      Notes: Based on Ripley (1982, A Synopsis of the Birds of India and Pakistan), adding here under this subspecies (previously under baueri). RA2012 treats Ripley's bird (BNHS #24227) as anadyrensis. Now, baueri Naumann 1836 is restricted to the breeding birds in the Nearctic (Engelmoer & Roselaar 1998, Geographical Variation in Waders p. 197) and hence unlikely to be the Nicobar bird.
  
  
  • 225. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa (Linnaeus, 1758)
    IUCN: Near Threatened. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    • 225a. Limosa limosa limosa (Linnaeus, 1758) [HB#389]
      Original Description: Scolopax Limosa Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.147
      Distribution: Winter: Punjab south through Delhi region, E Rajasthan, Gujarat, C India till Odisha, sporadically in Gangetic and Assam plains, Deccan, and southern peninsula.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, AMNH, FMNH, YPM
    • 225b. Limosa limosa melanuroides Gould, 1846 [HB#390]
      Original Description: Limosa Melanuroides Gould, 1846 Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Part 14, no.163 p.84
      Taxonomy: Proposed as distinct species (RA2012) but see Höglund et al. (2008, Journal of Ornithology 150: 45).
      Distribution: Winter: C Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, S W Bengal, Assam plains, and Andaman Is.
      Specimens: NHMUK
      Notes: Identity of the large swarms of autumn migrants in SC Kerala unresolved – but may belong to a population in the E Asian-Australasian flyway. Distribution in Andaman Is. and SW Bengal not supported by specimens but evidently this subspecies on range.
  
  
• Limnodromus Wied-Neuwied, 1833 Beiträge zur Naturgeschichte von Brasilien 4 p.716 Scolopax noveboracensis Gmelin, 1789; Type by monotypy = Scolopax grisea Gmelin, 1789
  • 226. Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus (Blyth, 1848) [HB#403]
    Original Description: Macrorhamphus semipalmatus Blyth, 1848 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 17 p.252 (Chennai)
    Alternative Names: Snipe-billed Godwit
    Distribution: Winter: Reported from Harike (Punjab), Basai and Bindawas (Haryana), Jamnagar (Gujarat), Kolkata region (S W Bengal), Chilika (Odisha), Goa, Changaram (Kerala), Pulicat (Andhra) and Point Calimere (Tamil Nadu).
    Specimens: BNHS
    IUCN: Near Threatened. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
  • 227. Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus (Say, 1822)
    Original Description: Limosa scolopacea Say, 1822 Account of an expedition from Pittsburgh to the Rocky Mountains, performed in the years 1819 and '20, by order of the Hon. J. C. Calhoun, Sec'y of War: under the command of Major Stephen H. Long. From the notes of Major Long, Mr. T. Say, and other gentlemen of the exploring party 1 p.170, note
    Distribution: Winter: Across the country, possibly most birds on passage – from Sonipat, Sultanpur (both in Haryana), Bharatpur (Rajasthan), Jorhat (Assam), Khijadiya (Gujarat), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Camorlim (Goa), Arani (Tamil Nadu), and Kole (Kerala).
    IUCN: Near Threatened. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    Notes: See Holt (1999, FT 15: 95), Sharma et al. (2013, IB 8 (4): 102), Sreenivasan (2016, IB 11 (4): 97 ).
  
  
• Lymnocryptes Boie, 1826 Skizzirte Entwickelungs-Geschichte und natürliches System der Europäischen Thierwelt (etc.) p.118 Scolopax minima Brünnich, 1764; Type by monotypy
  • 228. Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus (Brünnich, 1764) [HB#410]
    Original Description: Scolopax minima Brünnich, 1764 Ornithologia borealis, sistens collectionem avium ex omnibus, Imperio Danico subjectis (etc.) p.49
    Distribution: Winter: Throughout the plains in India as well as Andaman Is. while absent in mountain chains and deserts.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, UMMZ, AMNH, ROM, USNM, YPM, TNHM, LKO
    IUCN: Least Concern. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
• Scolopax Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.145 Scolopax rusticola Linnaeus, 1758; Type by tautonymy
  • 229. Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Linnaeus, 1758 [HB#411]
    Original Description: Scolopax Rusticola Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.146
    Taxonomy: Includes ultimus Koelz 1954 from Sangau, Mizoram.
    Distribution: Along the Himalaya from Gilgit, Kashmir, and Ladakh, E through Himachal and Uttarakhand, Sikkim, N Bengal, and Arunachal. Winter: Also, in the hills of Meghalaya, Cachar, Nagaland and Mizoram. Historically, also to the SW Ghats but now merely a straggler.
    Specimens: BNHS, NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, ROM, USNM, YPM, TNHM, LKO
    IUCN: Least Concern. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
• Gallinago Brisson, 1760 Ornithologia sive synopsis methodica sistens avium divisionem in ordines, sectiones, genera, species, ipsarumaque varietates 5 p.298,304 dP Gallinago Brisson ; Type by tautonymy = Scolopax gallinago Linnaeus, 1758
  • 230. Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola Hodgson, 1836 [HB#405]
    Original Description: Gallinago nemoricola Hodgson, 1836 Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Part 4, no.37 p.8
    Distribution: Historically along the Himalaya from Himachal till Arunachal as well as in Meghalaya and Manipur. Wintering in Assam, S W Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, along the W Ghats in a few localities from N Maharashtra till Ashambu hills in Tamil Nadu as well as SE Ghats. Now, only known from Sikkim, N Bengal, Mishmi Hills (Arunachal), and Narcondam Is. in the past ten years.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, FMNH, USNM, YPM, TNHM
    IUCN: Vulnerable. WLPA: Schedule-I. CMS: Appendix II.
    Notes: See Praveen et al. (2024, JBNHS 121 (3): xx).
  
  
  • 231. Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria Hodgson, 1831
    IUCN: Least Concern. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    • 231a. Gallinago solitaria solitaria Hodgson, 1831 [HB#404]
      Original Description: Gallinago solitaria Hodgson, 1831 Gleanings in Science 3 p.238
      Distribution: Winter: Along the high as well as trans-Himalaya from Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal; sporadically in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, AMNH, FMNH, ROM, YPM
      Notes: Reports elsewhere in the subcontinent not evaluated.
  
  
  • 232. Great Snipe Gallinago media (Latham, 1787) [HB#408]
    Original Description: Scolopax Media Latham, 1787 Supplement to the general synopsis of birds p.292
    Distribution: Vagrant. Historically to S India with four reports from Bengaluru (Karnataka), Chennai, Arakkonam and Nilgiris (all in Tamil Nadu).
    Specimens: BNHS
    IUCN: Near Threatened. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    Notes: Kini et al. (2019, FL 17 (2): 5) not considered definitive as G. stenura and G. megala cannot be conclusively eliminated. Historical Andaman reports cannot be assessed.
  
  
  • 233. Swinhoe's Snipe Gallinago megala Swinhoe, 1861 [HB#407]
    Original Description: Gallinago megala Swinhoe, 1861 Ibis p.343
    Distribution: Historically from E Assam, Nagaland, Kolkata, and Mumbai regions, and multiple sites in S India (Mysuru region, Nilgiris, Kannur in Kerala, and Chennai region).
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, YPM
    IUCN: Least Concern. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    Notes: Current status unclear. All recent reports (Andamans, Maharashtra, W Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and all five S Indian states) not definitive due to identification challenges. Historical claims from Manipur (Higgins) and Andamans not evaluated.
  
  
  • 234. Pin-tailed Snipe Gallinago stenura (Bonaparte, 1831) [HB#406]
    Original Description: Scolopax stenura Bonaparte, 1831 Annali di Storia Naturale 4 p.335
    Distribution: Winter: Gujarat, Maharashtra and southern peninsular India, E India from Chhattisgarh, Odisha, through W Bengal and entire NE India. Sporadically along the Himalaya and its foothills as well as N India. Also, Andaman & Nicobar Is.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, NHMUK, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, ROM, USNM, YPM, TNHM
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
  • 235. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago (Linnaeus, 1758)
    Alternative Names: Fantail Snipe
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    • 235a. Gallinago gallinago gallinago (Linnaeus, 1758) [HB#409]
      Original Description: Scolopax Gallinago Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.147
      Distribution: Summer: Kashmir. Winter: Throughout the peninsula including NE India and Andaman & Nicobar Is.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, UMZC, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, ROM, USNM, YPM, TNHM, HYD
  
  
• Xenus Kaup, 1829 Skizzirte Entwickelungs-Geschichte und natürliches System der Europäischen Thierwelt (etc.) p.115 Scolopax cinerea Güldenstädt, 1775; Type by monotypy
  • 236. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus (Güldenstädt, 1775) [HB#400]
    Original Description: Scolopax cinerea Güldenstädt, 1775 Novi Commentarii Academiae Scientiarum Imperialis Petropolitanae 19 p.473 pl.19
    Distribution: Winter: Entire Indian coastline including Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Is. Also inland during passage migration.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, UMMZ, ROM
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
• Actitis Illiger, 1811 Prodromus systematis mammalium et avium: additis terminis zoographicis utriusque classis, eorumque versione germanica p.262 Tringa hypoleucos Linnaeus, 1758; Type by subsequent designation (Gray, 1841, A list of the genera of birds, with their synonyma and with an indication of the typical species of each genus. 2nd. ed., ed. 2, p.88)
  • 237. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (Linnaeus, 1758) [HB#401]
    Original Description: Tringa Hypoleucos Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.149
    Distribution: Summer: W Himalaya of Gilgit, Ladakh, Kashmir, Himachal, and Garhwal (Uttarakhand). Winter: Throughout India including Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Is.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, UMZC, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, USNM, YPM, TNHM, HYD
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
• Phalaropus Brisson, 1760 Ornithologia sive synopsis methodica sistens avium divisionem in ordines, sectiones, genera, species, ipsarumaque varietates 1 p.50;6, p.12 Phalaropus Brisson ; Type by tautonymy = Tringa fulicaria Linnaeus, 1758
  • 238. Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius (Linnaeus, 1758) [HB#427]
    Original Description: Tringa fulicaria Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.148
    Alternative Names: Grey Phalarope
    Distribution: Across Indian peninsula during passage (mostly spring) – reports from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, W Bengal, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka.
    IUCN: Least Concern. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    Notes: Historical specimen from 'Calcutta market' not located. It was probably in the ZSI (Indian museum). The source and destinations of the spring passage migrants are unclear at the moment.
  
  
  • 239. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus (Linnaeus, 1758) [HB#428]
    Original Description: Tringa tobata Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.148
    Distribution: Winter: Gujarat and Rajasthan as well as SE coast and off-shore Arabian Sea. Vagrant elsewhere in the subcontinent.
    Specimens: BNHS, FMNH
    IUCN: Least Concern. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
• Tringa Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.148 Tringa ochropus Linnaeus, 1758; Type by tautonymy
  • 240. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Linnaeus, 1758 [HB#397]
    Original Description: Tringa Ocrophus Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.149
    Distribution: Winter: Throughout India including Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Is.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, USNM, YPM, TNHM, BNHM
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Low. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
  • 241. Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes (Vieillot, 1816)
    Original Description: Totanus brevipes Vieillot, 1816 Nouveau dictionnaire d'histoire naturelle, appliquée aux arts, à l'agriculture, à l'économie rurale et domestique, à la médecine, etc. Nouvelle édition 6 p.410
    Distribution: Vagrant. Reported from Pulicat, Yedaiyanthittu (both Tamil Nadu) and Boat Is. (Andaman Is.).
    IUCN: Least Concern. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    Notes: See Shanmugasundaram & Palanivelu (2017, IB 13 (6): 156), Gokulakrishanan et al. (2018, Biological Forum 10 (1): 74).
  
  
  • 242. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (Bechstein, 1803) [HB#395]
    Original Description: Totanus stagnatilis Bechstein, 1803 Ornithologisches Taschenbuch von und für Deutschland (etc.) 2 p.292 pl.29
    Distribution: Winter: Throughout peninsular India excluding high Himalaya extending to Brahmaputra plains and Manipur valley. Also, Andaman & Nicobar Is.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, UMMZ, AMNH, MCZ, ROM, USNM, YPM, TNHM
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
  • 243. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Linnaeus, 1758 [HB#398]
    Original Description: Tringa Glareola Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.149
    Alternative Names: Spotted Sandpiper
    Distribution: Winter: Throughout India excluding trans and high Himalaya extending to Brahmaputra plains and NE hill states. Also, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Is.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, UMZC, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, USNM, YPM, TNHM, LKO
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
  • 244. Common Redshank Tringa totanus (Linnaeus, 1758)
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    Notes: Regional specimens need to be revisited to assign the correct subspecies. See Hale (1971, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 50 (3): 258) for a full global treatment.
    • [Tringa totanus totanus (Linnaeus, 1758) [HB#393]]
      Original Description: Scolopax Totanus Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.145
      Distribution: W India.
      Specimens: ZSI, UMMZ, USNM, YPM, GMC
      Notes: No definitive specimens from India but many labelled so in museums.
    • 244a. Tringa totanus ussuriensis Buturlin, 1934
      Original Description: Tringa totanus ussuriensis Buturlin, 1934 Opredelitel promyslovykh ptits 1 p.88
      Distribution: Winter: Throughout India.
      Notes: H&M4 do not include this subspecies for S Asia though RA2012 includes this based on the checklist's third edition. However, a bird ringed from Bharatpur was recovered from Lake Kulundinskoye, S Siberia. Similarly, a bird ringed from Point Calimere was recovered from Lake Zaysan, E Kazhakhstan (Balachandran et al. 2018, Indian Bird Migration Atlas p. 101) – both within the breeding range of this subspecies on current knowledge. Recently, a satellite tracked bird from Bangladesh crossed Assam & Bhutan and reached the range of this subspecies.
    • [Tringa totanus terrignotae Meinertzhagen & Meinertzhagen, 1926 [HB#394]]
      Original Description: Tringa totanus terrignotae Meinertzhagen & Meinertzhagen, 1926 Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 46 p.85
      Taxonomy: In their original description, authors said to have examined five specimens in summer plumage from India (presumably Ladakh) as well as several more winter specimens. Stuart Baker's statement (Baker 1929 The Fauna of British India VIII: 222; Baker 1933, JBNHS 36 (2): 294) that it winters in E India is probably based entirely on the description by these authors. Hale (1971, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 50 (3): 258) remarks that the material examined by the authors included ussuriensis and hence presumably some from India.
      Distribution: E India.
      Notes: Its breeding grounds are presumably in the Far East and hence likely to occur at least during migration.
    • 244b. Tringa totanus craggi Hale, 1971
      Original Description: Tringa totanus craggi Hale, 1971 Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 50 p.259
      Distribution: S W Bengal
      Specimens: NHMUK
      Notes: H&M4 do not include this subspecies for S Asia though RA2012 includes it based on the checklist's third edition. Breeding and wintering ranges are putative (Hale 1971, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 50 (3): 258). Accepted here as the original description of the subspecies included paratypes from Kolkata and Bengal (NHMUK#1970.9.2-4, 1880.1.1.4457) though exact range is unknown.
    • 244c. Tringa totanus eurhina (Oberholser, 1900) [HB#394]
      Original Description: Totanus totanus eurhinus Oberholser, 1900 Proceedings of the United States National Museum 22 no.1195 p.207 (Tso Moriri, Ladakh)
      Taxonomy: Not always recognised (RA2012). Includes meinertzhageni Theide 1963.
      Distribution: Breeding: Gilgit, Ladakh, N Sikkim. Winter: Throughout India including coasts and inland wetlands as well as Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Is.
      Type Specimen: USNM#162823 (Holotype).
      Specimens: ZSI, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, USNM
  
  
  • 245. Nordmann's Greenshank Tringa guttifer (Nordmann, 1835) [HB#399]
    Original Description: Totanus guttifer Nordmann, 1835 Reise um die Erde durch Nord-Asien und die beiden Oceane, in den Jahren 1828, 1829 und 1830 ausgeführt. Naturhistorischer Atlas: Verzeichniss von Thieren und Pflanzen, welche auf einer Reise um die Erde gesammelt wurden p.17
    Alternative Names: Spotted Greenshank
    Distribution: Winter: Coasts of W Bengal and once to Maharashtra.
    IUCN: Endangered. WLPA: Recent addition. CITES: Appendix I. CMS: Appendix I.
    Notes: See Das et al. (2024, IB 19 (6): 188 ) and Kasambe & Kasambe (2022, IB 18 (1): 10).
  
  
  • 246. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus (Pallas, 1764) [HB#392]
    Original Description: Scolopax erythropus Pallas, 1764 Adumbratiunculæ. Avium variarum praecedenti elencho insertarum, sed quæ in Systemate Naturæ Illustr. Linnæi nondum extant p.6 no.306
    Alternative Names: Dusky Redshank
    Distribution: Winter: Throughout peninsular India except high Himalaya, extending to Brahmaputra plains and Manipur valley. Also, Andaman & Nicobar Is.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, ROM, USNM, YPM, LKO
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
  • 247. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia (Gunnerus, 1767) [HB#396]
    Original Description: Scolopax nebularia Gunnerus, 1767 Beskrivelse over Finmarkens Lapper, deres Tungemaal, Levemaade og forrige Afgudsdyrkelse, oplyst ved mange Kaabberstykker p.251
    Alternative Names: Greenshank
    Distribution: Winter: Throughout India excluding high Himalaya. Also, Lakshadweep and Andaman Is.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, UMZC, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, ROM, USNM, YPM, TNHM
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-I. CMS: Appendix II.
    Notes: Nicobar report not evaluated but likely true.
  
  
• Arenaria Brisson, 1760 Ornithologia sive synopsis methodica sistens avium divisionem in ordines, sectiones, genera, species, ipsarumaque varietates 1 p.48;5, p.132 Arenaria Brisson ; Type by tautonymy = Tringa interpres Linnaeus, 1758
  • 248. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres (Linnaeus, 1758)
    Alternative Names: Turnstone
    IUCN: Near Threatened. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    • 248a. Arenaria interpres interpres (Linnaeus, 1758) [HB#402]
      Original Description: Tringa Interpres Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.148
      Distribution: Winter: Entire coastline of the peninsula apart from Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Is. Inland during passage.
      Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, ROM, USNM, TNHM
  
  
• Calidris Merrem, 1804 Allgemeine Literatur-Zeitung 2 no.168 col.542 Tringa calidris Gmelin, 1789; Type by tautonymy = Tringa canutus Linnaeus, 1758
  • 249. Red Knot Calidris canutus (Linnaeus, 1758)
    Alternative Names: Knot
    IUCN: Near Threatened. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    • 249a. Calidris canutus canutus (Linnaeus, 1758) [HB#412]
      Original Description: Tringa Canutus Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.149
      Taxonomy: Formerly, only this subspecies was recognised from India.
      Distribution: Winter: Jamnagar (W Gujarat); sporadically in Goa and Kerala.
      Specimens: BNHS
      Notes: Birds found in Gujarat are most likely on their passage to Africa. Goa & Kerala birds tentatively parked under this subspecies.
    • [Calidris canutus piersmai Tomkovich, 2001 ]
      Original Description: Calidris canutus piersmai Tomkovich, 2001 Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 121 p.259
      Distribution: E coast.
      Notes: Recently described subspecies and its migration path towards NW Australia likely to fall along the E coast of India.
    • 249b. Calidris canutus rogersi (Mathews, 1913)
      Original Description: Canutus canutus rogersi Mathews, 1913 The birds of Australia 3 p.270,273 pl.163
      Distribution: Winter: SE coast, as well as sporadically elsewhere in E coast (Pulicat, Kakinada, Nalabana, Chandipur, and Sundarbans) as well as Tinsukia (E Assam).
      Notes: After Balachandran (1998, Wader Study Group Bulletin 86: 44), all birds in the E coast considered this taxon.
  
  
  • 250. Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris (Horsfield, 1821) [HB#413]
    Original Description: Totanus tenuirostris Horsfield, 1821 Transactions of the Linnean Society of London (1), 13 p.192
    Alternative Names: Eastern Knot
    Distribution: Winter: W coast from Gujarat till Kerala and E coast from Sundarbans till Hare Is., Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu) as well as N and S Andaman Is.
    Specimens: BNHS
    IUCN: Endangered. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-I. CMS: Appendix I.
  
  
  • 251. Ruff Calidris pugnax (Linnaeus, 1758) [HB#426]
    Original Description: Tringa Pugnax Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.148
    Distribution: Winter: Most widespread in the states of N and NW India and W Bengal. Also, in Indo-Gangetic plains, C India, Deccan, the coastal plains, Assam plains, Manipur valley, and Andaman Is.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, MCZ, YPM, TNHM, LKO, FTLB
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
  • 252. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata (Horsfield, 1821) [HB#419]
    Original Description: Totanus acuminatus Horsfield, 1821 Transactions of the Linnean Society of London (1), 13 p.192
    Alternative Names: Asian Pectoral Sandpiper
    Distribution: Vagrant. Gilgit, Hokersar (Kashmir), Startsapuk Tso (Ladakh), and Najafgarh (Delhi).
    IUCN: Vulnerable. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    Notes: The single historical specimen from Gilgit has not been located. A single bleached specimen name 'Asian Pectoral Sandpiper' but with no tag is displayed in the Government Museum, Chennai. Most specimens in the museum have been taken from the neighbourhood of Chennai.
  
  
  • 253. Broad-billed Sandpiper Calidris falcinellus (Pontoppidan, 1763)
    IUCN: Vulnerable. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    • 253a. Calidris falcinellus falcinellus (Pontoppidan, 1763) [HB#424]
      Original Description: Scolopax Falcinellus Pontoppidan, 1763 Den Danske Atlas eller Konge-Riget Dannemark (etc.) 1 p.623
      Distribution: Winter: W coast from Gujarat south till S Kerala. Reported rarely inland during migration.
      Specimens: YPM
      Notes: A bird ringed from Mumbai was reported from the Persian Gulf in (Khadanga et al. 2024, JBNHS 121 (2): 196).
    • 253b. Calidris falcinellus sibirica (Dresser, 1876) [HB#425]
      Original Description: Limicola sibirica Dresser, 1876 Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London Part 3, p.674
      Distribution: Winter: E coast from W Bengal, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu as well as Andaman Is.
      Specimens: ZSI
      Notes: Considered hypothetical by RA2012 but included here based on ZSI specimen from Sagar Is., West Bengal (#32584) as well as a ringed bird from Point Calimere that was recovered in Shanghai (Balachandran et al. 2018, Indian Bird Migration Atlas p. 123). Hence, all of E coast as well as Andaman Is. birds considered this subspecies. UMZC#16/Sco/16/a/3 is listed as a Syntype from India though the subspecies is indistinguishable in winter plumage.
  
  
  • 254. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea (Pontoppidan, 1763) [HB#422]
    Original Description: Tringa Ferrugineus Pontoppidan, 1763 Den Danske Atlas eller Konge-Riget Dannemark (etc.) 1 p.624
    Distribution: Winter: Entire coastline of India including Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Is but also inland in sites in Gujarat, E Rajasthan and Delhi region during migration.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, ROM, USNM, YPM, TNHM
    IUCN: Vulnerable. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
  • 255. Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea (Linnaeus, 1758) [HB#423]
    Original Description: Platalea pygmea Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.140
    Distribution: Straggler in the winter to E coast from Sundarbans region, Chilika, and Point Calimere.
    Specimens: BNHS, NML
    IUCN: Critically Endangered. WLPA: Schedule-I. CMS: Appendix I.
    Notes: Sight report from Kerala is unconfirmed, so are many sight reports from W Bengal but see Chakraborty et al. (2018, IB 14 (3): 83).
  
  
  • 256. Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis (Pallas, 1776) [HB#415]
    Original Description: Trynga ruficollis Pallas, 1776 Reise durch verschiedene Provinzen des Russischen Reichs 3 p.700
    Alternative Names: Rufous-necked Stint, Eastern Little Stint
    Distribution: Winter: Coasts of W Bengal, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu apart from Andaman Is. Straggler to W coast.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, ROM
    IUCN: Near Threatened. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
  • 257. Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii (Leisler, 1812) [HB#417]
    Original Description: Tringa Temminckii Leisler, 1812 Nachträge zu Bechsteins Naturgeschichte Deutschlands pt1 p.64
    Distribution: Winter: Throughout India including Lakshadweep and Andaman Is.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, UMZC, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, ROM, USNM, YPM, HYD, LKO
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: Moderate. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    Notes: No reports from Mizoram evidently due to lack of publicly available data from the right habitat.
  
  
  • 258. Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta (Middendorff, 1853) [HB#418]
    Original Description: Tringa subminuta Middendorff, 1853 Reise in den äussersten Norden und Osten Sibiriens während der Jahre 1843 und 1844 mit allerhöchster Genehmigung auf Veranstaltung der Kaiserlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu St. Petersburg ausgeführt 2 pt2 p.222 pl.19 fig.6
    Distribution: Winter: Coastal regions of Gujarat, NW Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, NE Andhra, Chilika, W Bengal, and Andaman Is. Rare inland in the Peninsula.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, AMNH, ROM
    IUCN: Least Concern. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
  
  
  • 259. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Calidris subruficollis (Vieillot, 1819) [HB#425a]
    Original Description: Tringa subruficollis Vieillot, 1819 Nouveau dictionnaire d'histoire naturelle, appliquée aux arts, à l'agriculture, à l'économie rurale et domestique, à la médecine, etc. Nouvelle édition 34 p.465
    Distribution: Vagrant. Reported from Divar Is. (Goa) and Madayipara (Kerala).
    IUCN: Vulnerable. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix I.
    Notes: See Rajeevan & Thomas (2013, IB 7 (5): 143).
  
  
  • 260. Sanderling Calidris alba (Pallas, 1764)
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    • 260a. Calidris alba alba (Pallas, 1764) [HB#414]
      Original Description: Trynga alba Pallas, 1764 Adumbratiunculæ. Avium variarum praecedenti elencho insertarum, sed quæ in Systemate Naturæ Illustr. Linnæi nondum extant p.7
      Distribution: Winter: Both W and E coast as well as Lakshadweep, S Andaman, and Car Nicobar Is. Rarely inland during passage.
      Specimens: BNHS, USNM
      Notes: Subspecies rubida (Gmelin 1789) possibly breeds in NE Siberia (Engelmoer & Roselaar 1998, Geographical Variation in Waders p. 118) and hence cannot be ruled out in the E coast.
  
  
  • 261. Dunlin Calidris alpina (Linnaeus, 1758)
    IUCN: Near Threatened. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    Notes: Subspecies status of Indian birds not investigated but likely to include both the nominate subspecies and centralis/sakhalina.
    • 261a. Calidris alpina alpina (Linnaeus, 1758) [HB#420]
      Original Description: Tringa alpina Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturæ per Regna Tria Naturæ, Secundum Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Characteribus, Differentiis, Synonymis, Locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata 1 p.149
      Distribution: Winter: N and NW through Delhi region, Gangetic plains, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, and extending further along the W coastal plains till S Kerala and SE coast. Sporadically in C India and Deccan as well.
      Specimens: ZSI
    • 261b. Calidris alpina centralis (Buturlin, 1932) [HB#421]
      Original Description: Erolia alpina centralis Buturlin, 1932 Alauda: Études et Notes Ornithologiques 4 p.265
      Taxonomy: Not always recognised (see Engelmoer & Roselaar 1998, Geographical Variation in Waders p. 168) and included under sakhalina.
      Distribution: Winter: S W Bengal and Assam plains.
      Specimens: UMMZ
      Notes: Tentatively all birds in E & NE India assigned to this subspecies after RA2012. UMMZ #76757-62 from Hissar, Haryana listed as this subspecies. All specimens need to be revisited.
    • [Calidris alpina sakhalina (Vieillot, 1816) ]
      Original Description: Scolopax sakhalina Vieillot, 1816 Nouveau dictionnaire d'histoire naturelle, appliquée aux arts, à l'agriculture, à l'économie rurale et domestique, à la médecine, etc. Nouvelle édition 3 p.359
      Distribution: NE India.
      Notes: Probably NE Indian birds belong to this subspecies (or a subspecies from the sakhalina group).
  
  
  • 262. Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos (Vieillot, 1819)
    Original Description: Tringa melanotos Vieillot, 1819 Nouveau dictionnaire d'histoire naturelle, appliquée aux arts, à l'agriculture, à l'économie rurale et domestique, à la médecine, etc. Nouvelle édition 34 p.462
    Distribution: Vagrant. Reported from Harike (Punjab), Madayipara, Kadamakudy and Vembanad (all three in Kerala), Pariej (Gujarat), Maina-Curtorim (Goa), Achankulam (near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu), Kargil Beach (S W Bengal), and Chouldari (S Andaman).
    IUCN: Least Concern. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    Notes: See Undeland & Sangha 2002, FT 18: 157 (), Rajeevan et al. 2014, IB 9 (3): 64) and (Fonseca et al. 2024, IB 20 (2): 59).
  
  
  • 263. Little Stint Calidris minuta (Leisler, 1812) [HB#416]
    Original Description: Tringa minuta Leisler, 1812 Nachträge zu Bechsteins Naturgeschichte Deutschlands pt1 p.74
    Distribution: Winter: Throughout India including Lakshadweep Is but except NE hills states.
    Specimens: BNHS, ZSI, UMZC, UMMZ, AMNH, FMNH, ROM, USNM, YPM, TNHM, LKO
    IUCN: Least Concern. SoIB: High. WLPA: Schedule-II. CMS: Appendix II.
    Notes: Insufficiently documented from Andamans.