The Varied Fighter, Calidris pugnax (formerly Philomachus pugnax), often referred to in the 20th century as the Fighting Sandpiper, but in fact more closely related to the Sandpiper, is a species of limicolous bird in the Scolopacidae family, showing clear sexual dimorphism, especially during the breeding season. Breeding patterns are complex, with temporary pairs, polygynous males and polyandrous females coexisting.
It breeds in Eurasia and winters mainly in Africa.
In Greek mythology, this bird is linked to the myth of Memnon. This bird is always found in wetlands, whether in marshy areas, near bodies of fresh water, in peat bogs or wet meadows. It also enjoys the seashore, foraging on intertidal mudflats (exposed at low tide).