The RSPB: Dunlin

Dunlin

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Latin name

Calidris alpina

Family

Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)

Overview

The commonest small wader found along the coast. It has a slightly down-curved bill and a distinctive black belly patch in breeding plumage. It feeds in flocks in winter, sometimes numbering thousands, roosting on nearby fields, saltmarshes and shore when the tide is high.

Where to see them

Breeds in the uplands of Scotland, Wales and England. Greatest numbers found on the Western and Northern Isles and the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland in scotland, in the Pennines in England. Found on all UK estuaries with largest numbers in winter.

When to see them

All year round on the coast. On breeding grounds from April to July.

What they eat

Insects, snails and worms.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	9,150-9,900 pairs	577,100	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

In the UK: Uplands (breeding) and most coasts (winter)

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)