The purple sandpiper is a hardy wader commonly seen along Icelandic shores,
especially during winter. It prefers rocky coastlines where it forages near
the water’s edge. The species is stocky and well adapted to cold climates.
Its diet consists of small invertebrates found among rocks and seaweed. Purple
sandpipers breed in Arctic regions and spend the non-breeding season in
Iceland. They are a characteristic winter shorebird.