Upland Sandpiper

Upland Sandpiper demonstrate notable behaviors, particularly during breeding season. They engage in visually striking aerial displays, where both sexes may participate in soaring maneuvers, concluding with a synchronized plummet. Remarkably tolerant during nesting, upland Sandpiper can form loose clusters, with territories intermingling. Post-hatch group dynamics emerge early, as upland Sandpiper assemble in flocks, sometimes even before their chicks are fully independent. Adult upland Sandpiper share incubation duties, though chick-rearing habits require further study. While generally monogamous, complex mating behaviors, such as shared nests and mixed paternity, have been observed. Their daily life intertwines social foraging and resting in groups within their prairie habitats.

The numbers of these birds increased as forests were cleared in the early 19th century, but declined sharply in the late 19th century due to hunting. They are now regularly present in Midwestern North America but populations are scattered in the east. Loss of prairie habitat is a concern. Also, livestock grazing has been found to reduce the number of nests in a field. Controlled burns may benefit this species as they feed on low-growing plants that are more easily spotted after a fire.