Calidris alpina
The Dunlin, *Calidris alpina*, is a medium-sized, highly migratory shorebird, measuring 16-22 cm in length with a wingspan of 32-40 cm and weighing 40-75 g. It is easily recognized in breeding plumage by its distinctive rufous-brown upperparts and a prominent black patch on its belly, contrasting with a white underside. A slightly downcurved bill, about 3-4 cm long, and a somewhat hunched posture are consistent field marks in all plumages. In non-breeding attire, they adopt a plainer grayish-...
Found primarily in Arctic and subarctic tundra during breeding, shifting to coastal mudflats, estuaries, and salt marshes, as well as agricultural fields, during migration and winter.
Primarily consumes small invertebrates such as marine worms, crustaceans, mollusks, and insect larvae, extracted from soft mud and sand by probing with their sensitive bill.
Dunlins are highly diurnal and gregarious, particularly outside the breeding season, often forming massive, synchronized flocks that create spectacular aerial displays (murmurations). Their foraging strategy involves a rapid, repetitive probing motion, often described as a 'sewing machine' action...
The Dunlin boasts a vast circumpolar breeding range spanning the Arctic and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, they breed extensively across coastal Alaska, the Canadian Arctic archipelago, and Greenland. Eurasian breeding populations are found from Iceland and Scandi...
Least Concern
- The Dunlin has one of the largest breeding ranges of any shorebird, extending across the entire circumpolar Arctic and subarctic regions. - There are nine recognized subspecies of Dunlin, each with subtle differences in size, bill length, and plumage, and distinct breeding and wintering grounds...