 The common sandpiper forages by sight on the ground or in shallow water, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates; it may even catch insects in flight.In the Nukumanu language of the Nukumanu Islands (Papua New Guinea), this species is usually called tiritavoi.Another Nukumanu name for it, matakakoni, exists, but this is considered somewhat taboo and not used when children and women are around.