Species Profile
Dunlin
Calidris alpina
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
10–15 years
Length
16–22 cm
Weight
40–100 g
Wingspan
35–43 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Red-backed Sandpiper
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Appearance
The Dunlin is a small wading bird with a distinctive long, slightly curved black bill. In breeding plumage, it displays a striking black belly patch and rusty brown back. Non-breeding adults are predominantly grey above and white below.
Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have buff-edged feathers on their backs, creating a scaly appearance. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with seasonal plumage changes being more pronounced than sexual differences.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Dunlins breed in Arctic tundra across North America, Europe, and Asia. They inhabit coastal mudflats, estuaries, and sandy beaches during migration and winter. They are particularly common along the coasts of the UK, western Europe, and both coasts of North America.
In winter, large populations can be found in the Wadden Sea of northwestern Europe and along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States. Some populations also winter in parts of the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
United Kingdom
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Rutland
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Devon
Dorset
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Lincolnshire
Northumberland
Norfolk
North Yorkshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
Suffolk
Somerset
Staffordshire
Stockton-on-Tees
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
Dunlins primarily feed on small invertebrates found in mud and sand. Their diet includes marine worms, small crustaceans, mollusks, and insects.
They use their sensitive bill tips to detect prey beneath the surface, often feeding in shallow water or on exposed mudflats.
Behaviour
Dunlins are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks during migration and winter. They forage by probing their bills into mud or sand, walking with a distinctive hunched posture.
During the breeding season, males perform aerial displays, flying in wide circles while singing to attract mates.
Calls & Sounds
Dunlins have a variety of calls. Their most common call is a soft, rolling 'trrrr' often given in flight. During the breeding season, males produce a distinctive song described as a series of trills and warbles, sometimes likened to the sound of a tiny sewing machine.
Nesting & Breeding
Dunlins breed in the Arctic tundra, with the breeding season typically starting in late May or early June. Males establish territories and perform aerial displays to attract females. Pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often hidden in low vegetation. The female typically lays four eggs, which are olive to buff colored with brown markings. Both parents share incubation duties.
Incubation lasts about 21-22 days. Precocial chicks leave the nest soon after hatching. They fledge after 19-21 days, and parents often divide the care of the brood.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Dunlins face threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key stopover sites along migration routes and preserving breeding grounds in Arctic regions.
Elevation
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include peregrine falcons, merlins, short-eared owls, and Arctic foxes. Eggs and chicks are vulnerable to gulls, jaegers, and Arctic foxes.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Dunlins on coastal mudflats and sandy beaches during migration and winter
- Observe their distinctive feeding behavior of rapidly probing the mud with their bills
- In breeding plumage, watch for the black belly patch, which is a key identifying feature
- Listen for their trilling call, often given in flight
Did You Know?
- Dunlins can double their body weight before long migratory flights.
- Some Dunlins fly over 3,000 miles during migration.
- Their slightly curved bill is an adaptation for probing deeper into mud.
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