Dunlin
Calidris alpina · Sandpipers and Allies
The Dunlin is a small, migratory shorebird found across the Northern Hemisphere. It exhibits a striking plumage transformation between its breeding and non-breeding seasons, making it appear as two different birds. Outside of the breeding season, it often gathers in large, cohesive flocks along coastal mudflats and estuaries.
Explore the full field guidemigratorymedium shorebirdtrilling callsinvertebrate diet
38 calls·first heard Jul 2·last 3d ago
When it's heardpeak 7a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Vivid rusty back and crown, with a prominent black belly patch contrasting with white underparts.
- Dull grayish-brown upperparts, head, and breast, with pale underparts.
- A sturdy, medium-long black bill with a noticeable downward curve at the tip.
- Moderately long, black legs are consistent in all plumages.