The Short-billed Dowitcher is a chunky, medium-sized shorebird with a very long, straight bill that it works up and down in the mud with a rapid, rhythmic "sewing-machine" motion, probing deep for hidden prey. In breeding plumage it is a warm reddish color below; migrants in fall are often plainer gray. Despite the name, its bill is not conspicuously short — the "short-billed" only distinguishes it from the very similar Long-billed Dowitcher, from which it is best separated by call, a mellow "tu-tu-tu," and by subtle plumage details.
Short-billed Dowitchers breed in boreal bogs and muskeg across the far north and pass through Michigan as migrants, appearing on mudflats, marsh edges, shorelines, and flooded fields in spring and over a long fall window, often in flocks that feed steadily with heads down and bills pumping. The two dowitcher species are a classic identification challenge, usually resolved by voice, and sorting them out from a feeding flock is a satisfying test for the state's shorebird watchers.
Probes soft mud and shallow water with its long bill in a rapid, rhythmic up-and-down motion, feeding on aquatic insects and their larvae, marine and aquatic worms, small mollusks, and other invertebrates. It forages steadily with the head down, working the mud of flats, marsh edges, and shorelines.
The two are very similar and are best separated by call — the Short-billed gives a mellow "tu-tu-tu," the Long-billed a thin, high "keek." Plumage and structural details help, but voice is the most reliable clue.
Somewhat. The "short-billed" bill is not obviously short; the name only distinguishes it from the Long-billed Dowitcher, and bill length overlaps between the two species, so it is not a reliable field mark on its own.
As a migrant in spring and over a long fall window, on mudflats, marsh edges, shorelines, and flooded fields, often in flocks. It nests in boreal bogs far to the north and does not breed in the state.
Other birds you might be looking at instead.
Pick the park — it takes less than ten seconds.
Start typing the bird's name, then pick it from the list.
Suggest a birding spot to add to the map. I'll review it before it appears.
Thanks! Your suggestion has been sent for review.
Found something wrong or out of date? Tell me what to fix — it goes straight to my inbox. (No email needed.)
Thank you — your note is on its way. I appreciate the help keeping this accurate.