Dunlin
A species of Calidris Scientific name : Calidris alpina Genus : Calidris
Dunlin, A species of Calidris
Botanical name: Calidris alpina
Genus: Calidris
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Photo By Ken Billington , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
A common shorebird in North America, the dunlin gathers on the coast during low tides to search for invertebrates in the exposed mud flats. The bird has distinctive breeding plumage, but its name reflects the duller feather color present throughout the rest of the year. It's not uncommon to see the plump bird mixing with other shorebirds.
Size
16 - 22 cm
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
White
Life Expectancy
28.8 years
Nest Placement
Ground
Clutch Size
3 - 4 eggs
Incubation Period
1 brood
Number of Broods
20 - 22 days
Feeding Habits
Dunlin primarily eat invertebrates located near mud or fine sand, acquired through sight or touch with sensitive bill tips and probing shallowly (less than a quarter-inch). Common prey includes earthworms, marine worms, various flies, beetles, spiders, snails, and some plant matter, particularly seeds. Occasionally, they consume small fish and mollusks like mussels and clams.
Habitat
Dunlin typically inhabit temperate to polar regions, favoring coastal wetlands, and tundra environments. These birds nest in arctic and subarctic wet tundra landscapes often dotted with ridges and ponds. Additionally, they prefer marsh edges and hummocks for feeding. In winter, their habitat shifts to warmer coastal areas such as estuaries and saltwater lagoons, utilizing beaches, marshes, and islands for roosting. They are also found foraging in wet agricultural fields. During migration, they utilize inland wetlands, including sewage ponds and riverbanks, always seeking shallow waters, ideally less than 2 inches deep.
Nest Behavior
Males of dunlin select and prepare nest sites, where females then choose the final location. After nest construction, egg-laying and parental care are carried out, adhering to species-specific patterns throughout the breeding season.
Nest Characteristics
Dunlin's nests are situated in tundra vegetation near grass clumps. Males create scrapes lined with willow leaves, sedges, and grasses. The nest measures approximately 3.9 inches tall, with an inner width of 3.8 inches and depth of 2.5 inches.
Dite type
Aquatic invertebrate eater
People often ask
General Info
Sounds
Call
Recording location: Belgium
Call
Recording location: Netherlands
Song
Recording location: United States
Behavior
Dunlins exhibit a distinct dichotomy in behavior, shifting from solitary and territorial during the breeding season to highly gregarious outside of it. In the spring, males stake out nesting grounds in the tundra, using unique flight patterns and an unusual trill to delineate territories, which can significantly differ in size. They display both aerial and ground behaviors to maintain these territories. Although territorial disputes may arise, dunlins maintain a peaceful coexistence when feeding. Known for monogamous breeding habits, both partners invest in incubation and chick defense. Contrary to this seasonal exclusivity, dunlins spend much of the year in sociable flocks, often joining large groups that can vary widely in number.
Scientific Classification
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