Sandpipers - Allies

Manuel Antonio National Park hosts a variety of shorebirds, including Sandpipers (Scolopacidae) and their allies, which can often be seen along the park’s coastal areas and estuaries. Sandpipers are highly adaptable, with species like the Western Sandpiper and the Least Sandpiper feeding on small invertebrates, such as worms and crustaceans, found in the mudflats and sandy shores. These birds are known for their characteristic foraging behavior, running along the shoreline and probing the sand with their slender bills. Their allies, such as the Plovers (Charadriidae) and Snipe (Scolopacidae), also inhabit these coastal habitats, where they contribute to the park’s rich biodiversity. Together, these shorebirds play important ecological roles in controlling insect and invertebrate populations, while also serving as indicators of the health of coastal ecosystems. Their presence in Manuel Antonio National Park underscores the diverse and dynamic avian life found within its protected landscapes.