Genus Calidris is a grouping of small to medium-sized shorebirds that inhabit wetlands, mud flats, and beaches. This classification includes birds like sandpipers, dowitchers, and phalaropes that are known for their long beaks and unique feeding habits. In scientific literature, the term Calidris is often used interchangeably with the more common term "shorebird" or "wader". Additionally, some of the synonyms for genus Calidris include sandpiper, stint, sanderling, and more. While these terms may describe individual species within the group, they are often used to refer to the entire classification of birds that belong to this group. Ultimately, regardless of the terminology used, these birds are an important part of coastal ecosystems around the world.