Sandpipers · Shorebirds
Dunlin
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Calidris alpina
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Voice
Call
Song
Song
How to recognize it
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Body length 17–21 cm
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Adult in breeding plumage: black belly, reddish-brown upperparts
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In winter: greyish-brown upperparts, white belly
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Short call, a "chreep"
About the species
In winter, the Dunlin is brownish gray above and white below; in breeding plumage, a bold black patch covers its belly. Its back takes on a reddish-brown wash, while a narrow white stripe shows across the wing in flight. A long black bill curves gently down at the tip.
Along a mudflat, it keeps walking as it picks small food from the wet sand with quick, repeated jabs. The sensitive tip of its bill helps it find prey beneath the mud. Its call is a short “chreep,” and its display song is a harsh trill; winter flocks can wheel together above the coast.
It nests on Arctic and subarctic tundra, then migrates south, with some populations making long journeys and others staying closer to their breeding grounds. In winter it gathers on coastal mudflats and sandy beaches, feeding on worms, molluscs and small crustaceans; insects make up much of its food on the nesting grounds.
Where to find
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On coastal mudflats during migration and winter, look for dunlin probing the mud methodically for food.
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In winter, scan sandy sea beaches for large flocks gathered along the shore.
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At coastal stopovers during migration, look up for large flocks wheeling in synchronized flight.
