Overview
Dunlin: Medium-sized sandpiper with black-streaked, red-brown upperparts, conspicuous black belly patch, and streaked breast. The black bill is long and slightly decurved. Legs and feet are black. Wades in shallows and uses bill to probe and pick up food. Swift direct flight with rapid wing beats.
Range and Habitat
Dunlin: Breeds from western and northern Alaska east to Hudson Bay. Spends winters along coasts from southern Alaska and Massachusetts southward; also in Eurasia. Nests on tundra and winters on beaches, mudflats, sand flats, inland lakes, and river shores.
Topo Map:
Sandpiper-like Body
Listen to Call
Voice Text
"cheezp", "kreeep", "treezp"
Interesting Facts
Dunlin flocks are often huge, and are most impressive when they display their coordinated aerial maneuvers trying to escape predation by Peregrine Falcons and Merlins.
Hybrids between this species and the White-rumped Sandpiper as well as with the Purple Sandpiper have been reported from the Atlantic coasts of North America and Europe.
A group of dunlins are collectively known as a "flight", "fling", and "trip" of dunlins.
Bird Term Glossary
Author
Gary Owen Dick
Artist
Imran Kahn
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