Migratory species in Australia

Shorebirds of the Yellow Sea

Importance, threats and conservation status
Mark Barter
Wetlands International, 2002
ISBN 90 5882 009 2

4. Shorebirds occuring in internationally important numbers at Yellow Sea sites (continued)

4.4 Species accounts (continued)

4.4.12 Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus

Subspecies None.

Distribution in the EAAF

Breeding: Yakutia, Chukotka and Koryak Highlands.

Non-breeding: Coastal. Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Indochina, se. Asia, New Guinea and Australia.

Usage and importance of Yellow Sea

Occurrence: Intertidal areas. NM and SM Widespread, but more numerous in South Korea. In China most common in the Bo Hai. Higher numbers during SM. Numbers are probably significantly underestimated, as this species often roosts in non-tidal ponds and along river banks both of which are difficult to count effectively.

Movements: NM Peak numbers in South Korea in mid-May. SM Peak numbers in South Korea in August. Insufficient data from China. Birds from nw. and n. Australia occur in the Yellow Sea.

Significance of Yellow Sea: The Yellow Sea is important for this species as it supports about 25% of the estimated flyway population during NM. Numbers are higher on SM.

Key sites: 14 sites of international importance have been identified, 11 in South Korea and 3 in China; 9 of the sites are important during NM and 13 during SM (see site location maps below). 8 sites are important during both NM and SM (Huang He NNR, Ganghwa Do, Yeong Jong Do, Namyang Man, Asan Man, Geum Gang Hagu, Dongjin Gang Hagu and Suncheon Man).

Status of key sites: 2 of the Chinese sites and a small part of 1 South Korean site (Dongjin Gang Hagu) are within Protected Areas. The Dongjin and Mangyeung estuaries are currently being reclaimed as part of the Saemangeum Reclamation Project.

Major gaps in knowledge: Incomplete geographical and temporal coverage in China, especially of coastal non-tidal wetlands and river banks. No information from North Korea.

Site count references

  1. Yi & Kim in prep.
  2. Moores 1999a
  3. Zhu et al. 2000
  4. G. Carey in litt.
  5. Wang et al. 1991
  6. Y.X. Li in litt

EAAF POPULATION ESTIMATE: 50 000
YELLOW SEA
Status: Passage migrant
Estimated minimum numbers:
NM: South Korea: 8 300; China: 5 400.
SM: South Korea: 14 000.
INTERNATIONALLY IMPORTANT SITES (and Protected Area status)
South Korea: 11 (part of 1)
China: 3 (2)

Sites of international importance for Terek Sandpiper
Sites of international importance for Terek Sandpiper
   China   South Korea
1 Huang He NNR 4 Ganghwa Do
2 Shi Jiu Tuo 5 Yeong Jong Do
3 Shuangtaizihekou NNR 6 Namyang Man
    7 Asan Man
    8 Geum Gang Hagu
    9 Mangyeung Gang Hagu
    10 Dongjin Gang Hagu
    11 Hampyeong Man
    12 Meian Gun Tidal Flat
    13 Aphae Do
    14 Suncheon Man
Sites of international importance for Terek Sandpiper during northward migration
Sites of international importance for Terek Sandpiper during northward migration
   Site Country Count Ref
1 Dongjin Gang Hagu South Korea 1 600 1
2 Asan Man South Korea 1 072 2
3 Suncheon Man South Korea 1 046 2
4 Namyang Man South Korea 997 2
5 Geum Gang Hagu South Korea 761 1
6 Huang He NNR China 724 3
7 Shi Jiu Tuo China 700 4
8 Yeong Jong Do South Korea 685 2
9 Ganghwa Do South Korea 640 1
Sites of international importance for Terek Sandpiper during southward migration
Sites of international importance for Terek Sandpiper during southward migration
  Site Country Count Ref
1 Ganghwa Do South Korea 2 300 1
2 Geum Gang Hagu South Korea 1 653 2
3 Meian Gun Tidal Flat South Korea 1 628 2
4 Hampyeong Man South Korea 1 496 2
5 Asan Man South Korea 1 420 1
6 Namyang Man South Korea 1 420 1
7 Yeong Jong Do South Korea 1 358 2
8 Huang He NNR China 1 228 5
9 Shuangtaizihekou NNR China 1 200 6
10 Mangyeung Gang Hagu South Korea 1 040 1
11 Dongjin Gang Hagu South Korea 964 1
12 Suncheon Man South Korea 729 2
13 Aphae Do South Korea 534 2

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