GREY-TAILED TATTLER

The Grey-tailed Tattler is a captivating bird, modest in its coloration but remarkable in its migratory habits and survival strategies. Found traversing vast distances across continents, this bird is a testament to the wonders of avian migration, traveling thousands of kilometers from Siberia to Australia and back again each year.

Originally breeding in the serene and remote parts of Siberia, the Grey-tailed Tattler is a long-distance flyer that travels southwards to warmer climates during the non-breeding season. Australia becomes a favored destination, where these birds can be spotted along the coasts, gracing shores, mudflats, and estuaries with their presence. Their choice of habitat is often dictated by the tides; they prefer areas where the receding waters expose a banquet of invertebrates.

Outside of the breeding season, they are quite social and can be seen in flocks, sometimes mixing with other wader species.

The lifespan of the Grey-tailed Tattler typically ranges around 10 years, though this can vary based on environmental factors and predation. Breeding begins in the tranquil solitude of the Siberian tundra, where each pair meticulously constructs a ground nest, hidden among vegetation. This location is chosen for its relative safety from predators and proximity to food sources. The breeding season sees these birds in their most active state, engaging in elaborate courtship displays and calls that pierce the Arctic silence. They have a distinctive call, a sharp, two-syllable whistle that they often emit while in flight.

As foragers, Grey-tailed Tattlers are methodical and patient. Their diet primarily consists of insects, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. With sharp eyes and quicker reflexes, they pick their meals from the mud or shallow waters, displaying a preference for food items uncovered by the ebb and flow of the tides.

Currently, the Grey-tailed Tattler is classified as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, like many migratory species, they face threats from habitat destruction and climate change. The areas they depend on for feeding and resting during their migration are diminishing, making their long journeys more perilous.