Gould stated: 'Some ornithologists believe that the Spotted Sandpiper is a myth, so far as regards the avifauna of Great Britain, notwithstanding the most positive assurances of its capture are given in the works of Bewick, Yarrell and others.' Rare in England, this species sometimes occurred in Scotland, in 1867 a male and female specimen were acquired by Aberdeen Museum.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds throughout North America except in extreme north and south. Winters from coasts of southern United States south through to the West Indies to southern South America. Rare vagrant to Britain between May and December