The Wood Sandpiper is a medium-sized wading bird, with a fine straight bill, yellowish legs and a conspicuous long white stripe from the bill over the eye to the back of the neck. In flight, it shows no wing-stripes and a square white rump.

Flooded marshes and coastal reserves.

Late April to September.

Feeds on insects, worms, spiders, shellfish and small fish.

A passage migrant in spring and autumn, breeding in Northern Europe and wintering in Africa; a few pairs breed in the Scottish Highlands. The flooding of some previously drained traditional marshes in Scotland may help this species in future.

Uncommon passage migrant in Leicestershire & Rutland.