Sanderlings and dunlins are two types of small sandpipers that are often confused with each other. Sanderlings are slightly larger than dunlins, with a longer bill and legs. They also have a distinctive black patch on their chest, which dunlins lack. Both species have brown upperparts and white underparts, but sanderlings have a more streaked appearance than dunlins.
Sanderlings are found on beaches all over the world, while dunlins are more commonly found in salt marshes and mudflats. Both species feed on small invertebrates, such as worms, crustaceans, and insects. Sanderlings are also known to eat small fish and eggs.