Dunlin

Latin Name: 
Calidris alpina
Category: 
Snipes, Curlews, Sandpipers
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.
Call: 
Call Description: 
A trilling Creep in flight.
IUCN: 
Least Concern
National Status: 
sparse winter visitor
At IITK: 
sparse winter visitor