It and the very similar long-billed dowitcher were considered one species until 1950. They are more likely to be seen near fresh water than the short-billed dowitcher. The most similar species is the Asiatic dowitcher ("Limnodromus semipalmatus"). The long-billed dowitcher ("Limnodromus scolopaceus") is a medium-sized shorebird. The Asian dowitcher ("Limnodromus semipalmatus") is a rare medium-large wader. Near threatened species include black-headed ibis, Asian dowitcher, lesser flamingo, spoonbill, darter and painted stork.