The semipalmated sandpiper is a very small shorebird. The genus name is from Ancient Greek kalidris or skalidris, a term used by Aristotle for some grey-coloured waterside birds. The specific pusilla is Latin for "very small".

This Semipalmated Sandpiper was photographed at Huntington Beach, CA on March 10, 2026. View all Semipalmated Sandpiper photos →