Systematics

Platalea pygmea Linnaeus, 1758, Systema Naturae ed. 10 1 p. 140.—Type Locality: Suriname [error].

Usually placed in the monotypic genus, Eurynorhynchus, until genetic studies confirmed placement within Calidris (see Related Species).

None known.

Molecular phylogenies show that the Spoon-billed Sandpiper is the sister species to the Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis); within the genus Calidris, these two species are most closely related to Long-toed Stint (Calidris subminuta) and Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii) (23 Gibson, R., and A. J. Baker (2012). Multiple gene sequences resolve phylogenetic relationships in the shorebird suborder Scolopaci (Aves: Charadriiformes). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 64(1):66–72. Close , 24 Černý, D., and R. Natale (2022). Comprehensive taxon sampling and vetted fossils help clarify the time tree of shorebirds (Aves, Charadriiformes). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 177:107620. Close , 25 Chen, W., K. Miao, J. Wang, H. Wang, W. Sun, S. Yuan, S. Luo, C. Hu, and Q. Chang (2022). Five new mitogenomes sequences of Calidridine sandpipers (Aves: Charadriiformes) and comparative mitogenomics of genus Calidris. PeerJ 10:e13268. Close ).

Red’kin et al. (26 Red’kin, Y. A., P. S. Tomkovich, and A. I. Zdorikov (2012). Unusual specimen of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus. Wader Study Group Bulletin 119(1): 56. Close ) examined a specimen of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper suspected to be a hybrid with the Red-necked Stint. Interest in this topic was sparked by a 2010 observation in China of a wader showing features of both species, particularly a slightly broadened but underdeveloped spatulate bill. Experts identified this individual as a potential hybrid, prompting a search for similar cases. Stored in a Russian museum, the specimen displayed intermediate characteristics, including a partially broadened bill and proportions between those of a Spoon-billed Sandpiper and a Red-necked Stint. These physical traits raised suspicions of hybridisation, especially given the overlap in breeding ranges in Chukotka, where both species breed in close proximity. The authors suggest that the declining population of Spoon-billed Sandpiper may increase the likelihood of hybridisation due to a scarcity of mates. While the morphological evidence points to hybridisation, Red’kin et al. (26 Red’kin, Y. A., P. S. Tomkovich, and A. I. Zdorikov (2012). Unusual specimen of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus. Wader Study Group Bulletin 119(1): 56. Close ) emphasize that molecular genetic analysis is necessary to confirm whether these hybrids are viable or fertile.

Information needed.