Identification and assessment of small, endemic populations are priorities for conservation. We isolated and characterized 8 microsatellite loci from rock sandpiper (Calidris ptilocnemis) and 5 microsatellite loci from Pacific wren (Troglodytes pacificus), species with endemic populations of named subspecies that are of conservation concern. Eighteen to 20 individuals of each species from several locations in Alaska were screened for polymorphism. Loci for each species showed high polymorphism, with rock sandpiper ranging from 5 to 14 alleles per locus and 0.73–0.88 expected heterozygosity and Pacific wren ranging from 5 to 14 alleles per locus and 0.55–0.91 expected heterozygosity. Loci developed for rock sandpipers were also polymorphic in closely related taxa. These loci are the first developed for either species and will be used to identify and conserve endemic populations in the Bering Sea region.