Dunlin

Latin Name:

Calidris alpina

Category:

Size:

19cm

Description:

A tiny wader with slightly decurved, black bill and black legs. Size, plumage and bill length varies. In non-breeding plumage, grey above; grey breast sides. Breeding plumage a mix of rufous, black and grey above with rufous-streaked crown and unique black belly patch below black-streaked breast. Has wing bars, black line through white rump, grey tail.

Habitat:

Inhabits coastal mudflats. Inland, occurs on sandy rivers and muddy jheels.

Distribution:

Locally common winter visitor to most coasts. Most common in Northwest. Decidedly scarcer inland.