The Long-legged waders are also called as Shorebirds. This group includes long-legged wading birds such as storks and herons. These does not include the marine web-footed seabird groups such as Gulls, Terns, Skimmers. Long-legged waders include more than 200 species. Most of these species are associated with wetland OR coastal environments.
Many species of Arctic and temperate regions are strongly migratory, but tropical birds are often resident, OR move only in response to rainfall patterns. Some of the Arctic species, such as Little Stint are amongst the longest distance migrants, spending the non-breeding season in the southern hemisphere.
The majority of species eat small invertebrates picked out of mud OR exposed soil. Different lengths of bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. Many waders have sensitive nerve endings at the end of their bills which enable them to detect prey items hidden in mud or soft soil. Some larger species, particularly those adapted to drier habitats will take larger prey including insects and small reptiles.
The smallest member of this group is the Least Sandpiper, small adults of which can weigh as little as 15.5 grams and measure just over 13 cm. The largest species is believed to be the Far Eastern Curlew, weighing about 900 grams and measures around 65 cm; although the Beach Thick-knee, is the heaviest at about 1 kg.