sanderling

/ˈsændərlɪŋ/
noun
  1. A small shorebird that runs along beaches, following waves to feed on tiny creatures in the sand.
    • We watched a sanderling scurry away from the incoming tide.
    • The sanderling's quick legs make it look like a tiny wind-up toy on the beach.
    • A flock of sanderlings pecked at the wet sand after each wave retreated.