Breeding

Pair Formation

Likely occurs on breeding grounds immediately after arrival, but in Siberia, some arrived paired (P. Tomkovich pers. comm.). On outer Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, AK (1998), first arrival 8 May, singing 9 May, pairs 14 May, flocked pairs 19 May (6 pairs in 1 meadow, 3 in another; B. McCaffery pers. comm.). Hooper Bay, AK, first seen on 21 May (Gabrielson and Lincoln 1959); early date at Seward Peninsula, AK, 12 May (Kessel 1989). In Cape Thompson region, nw. Alaska, as early as 13 May (Williamson et al. 1966); on North Slope of Alaska, recorded as early as 25 May (Hohenberger et al. 1994). Copulation occurs as early as 12 May on Yukon Delta, AK (Bent 1927); apparently strong pair bonds (Johnsgard 1981). See also Migration: timing and routes of migration, spring, above.

Nest-Building

No data.

First/Only Brood Per Season

Egg-laying from late May to mid-Jun depending on latitude (62–72°N). In Alaska, first nests found at Hooper Bay on 29 May; St. Michael on 1 Jun (Brandt 1943, Gabrielson and Lincoln 1959). On Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, peak period for fresh eggs 1–3 Jun (Brandt 1943). On Seward Peninsula, AK, main egg-laying in first 2 wk of Jun; early date for 4-egg nest, 2 Jun (Kessel 1989). North Slope of Alaska, first eggs on 8–12 Jun (Johnson and Herter 1989); median nest-initiation date in n. Alaska in 1980s and 1990s ranged from 17 Jun to 13 Jul (TERA 1993, Moitoret et al. 1996). First nests with eggs observed on Indigirka River Delta of Siberia on 2–11 Jun (J. Pearce pers. comm.), late May and early Jun on Wrangel I. (Stishof et al. 1991). At Hooper Bay, AK, first broods detected on 22 Jun (Fig. 3; Gabrielson and Lincoln 1959); on Seward Peninsula, AK, most broods hatched by mid-Jul (Kessel 1989). Only 1 brood per season.

Selection Process

No data.

Microhabitat

On Seward Peninsula, AK, often at edge of ponds or sloughs, on tussocks or hummocks (Kessel 1989).

Site Characteristics

Generally low marsh or bog vegetation (Bent 1927), wet ground near marsh or small lake near Anderson River, NWT; at the base of a hummock in wet, grassy meadows (Pitelka 1950). On Seward Peninsula and Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, AK, wet meadow habitat with open water nearby (Brandt 1943, Kessel 1989). At Prudhoe Bay, AK, nest densities increase with distance from coastline (TERA 1994). Found in small upland area of drained wetland basin with polygonal tundra 25 km inland from e. Siberian Sea coast, Indigirka River Delta (J. Pearce pers. comm.).

Construction Process

Unknown.

Structure And Composition Matter

Fairly deep cup lined with sedge, often damp at bottom (Kessel 1989). Wet, simple depression on grass or moss, lined with grasses and small leaves (Bent 1927, Brandt 1943).

Dimensions

Inside diameter 10.2–12.7 cm, depth 5.1–6.4 cm (Brandt 1943).

Microclimate

No data.

Maintenance Or Reuse Of Nests, Alternative Nests

In n. Alaska, 1 of 17 Long-billed Dowitcher nests re-used by a Long-billed (Moitoret et al. 1996).

Nonbreeding Nests

Not applicable.

Shape

Mainly subpyriform (Brandt 1943), oval to pyriform (Harrison 1978).

Size

43 × 31 mm (n = 12; Brandt 1943) or 42 × 29 mm and 17.5 g (Schöenwetter 1962–1963).

Mass

No data.

Color

Brandt (1943) noted considerable variation, 2 distinct types: saccardo olive or greenish shading to a bluish glaucous. Markings bold, slightly elongated and seldom confluent, eggs moderately to heavily spotted, primary spots various shades of brown (van dyke, seal, saccardo umber). Markings wreath larger end (Harrison 1978). Underlying markings drab gray to light gray olive.

Surface Texture

Smooth with slight luster (Brandt 1943).

Eggshell Thickness

No data.

Clutch Size

Typically 4 eggs (Brandt 1943, Kessel 1989). On Seward Peninsula, AK, of 35 nests, average clutch size 3.9 eggs ± 0.3 SD (range 3–4; Kessel 1989). In n. Alaska, 17 nests with 4 eggs, 1 with 3 eggs (Moitoret et al. 1996).

Egg-Laying

Two eggs noted on 29 May and 4 on 31 May (Brandt 1943), suggesting single egg laid daily.

Onset Of Broodiness And Incubation In Relation To Laying

See Parental behavior, below.

Incubation Patches

Both sexes have brood patches (Johnsgard 1981).

Incubation Period

Twenty-one to 22 d (Erckmann 1981).

Parental Behavior

Both sexes participate. Female more in early incubation, with male in close attendance; female will flush only on close approach; generally leaves care of chick to male a few days after chick hatches (Brandt 1943, Kessel 1989).

Hardiness Of Eggs Against Temperature Stress; Effect Of Egg Neglect

No data.

Preliminary Events And Vocalizations

No data.

Shell-Breaking And Emergence

No data.

Parental Assistance And Disposal Of Eggshells

No data.

Condition At Hatching

Chicks precocial and downy. Female seen leading young a few days old between marshes by hovering in front of them and calling; when approached, young hid their heads in holes or depressions in moss (Bent 1927).

Growth And Development

No data on growth. Nearly fledged chick collected on Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, 29 Jul (Kessel 1989), suggesting 15–30 d between hatch and fledging.

Brooding

Male cares for chicks (Kistchinski 1973, Kessel 1989); brooding after leaving nest not reported but likely (e.g., occurs in Dunlin; Warnock and Gill 1996).

Feeding

Chicks feed themselves.

Nest Sanitation

No data.

No data.

No data.

Departure From Nest

Chicks leave nest almost immediately after all eggs have hatched, generally seek out wet areas with suitable graminoid cover (NW).

Growth

No data.

Association With Parents Or Other Young

Generally with male until fledged (roughly 20–30 d), but in late broods, male may leave young before fledging (P. Tomkovich pers. comm.).

Ability To Get Around, Feed, And Care For Self

Chicks precocial, leave nest and able to feed within a few hours of hatching.

Very little known. In n. Alaska, juveniles move from natal areas to coast of Beaufort Sea, where flocks gather (Johnson and Herter 1989). See Migration, above.