DUNLIN
Calidris alpina
DESCRIPTION
Dunlin (Calidris alpina) is a small shorebird known for its distinctive long, slender bill and slightly curved shape. It has a variable plumage that changes with the seasons, featuring a mottled brown and gray appearance in winter and a more vibrant reddish-brown coloration during the breeding season. This species is often seen foraging along mudflats and sandy shores, where it exhibits a characteristic feeding behavior of probing into the substrate for invertebrates.
FUN FACTS
- Dunlins are known for their remarkable migratory journeys, traveling thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds
- They can be found in large flocks, sometimes numbering in the thousands, creating a stunning spectacle as they take off and land together
- | During the breeding season, Dunlins perform elaborate courtship displays, including aerial displays and vocalizations to attract mates
- Their nests are typically built on the ground in well-camouflaged locations, making them less visible to predators
QUICK INFO
Lifespan5-10 years in the wild
Average Weight50-100 g
Average Length18-23 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuregroup — they often gather in flocks, especially during migration and feeding.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (May-July)
- Habitat
- Dunlins inhabit coastal areas, particularly mudflats, estuaries, and sandy beaches during migration and wintering. They prefer open habitats where they can easily find food and avoid predators.
- Biomes
- Coastal, Wetlands
- Native Range
- Dunlins breed in the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, migrating to coastal areas for winter.
- Continent
- North America, Europe, Asia
- Countries
- Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Russia
- Diet
- Dunlins primarily feed on small invertebrates, including worms, crustaceans, and mollusks, which they find by probing in the mud or sand. They may also consume plant material occasionally.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- small invertebrates
- Social Structure
- group — they often gather in flocks, especially during migration and feeding.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 20-100
- Territorial
- 0
LC
LC
50-100 g
Weight
18-23 cm
Length
- Coloration
- mottled brown and gray in winter, reddish-brown in breeding season
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally slightly larger than females
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 3-4
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring (May-July)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The Dunlin population is currently stable, although some local declines have been noted.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 1,000,000-2,000,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats to Dunlins include habitat loss due to coastal development and pollution, as well as climate change affecting their breeding and feeding grounds. Additionally, they face predation from various birds of prey and mammals.
- Predators
- peregrine falcons, merlins, red foxes, and various gull species
- Defense Mechanisms
- Dunlins rely on their flocking behavior to confuse predators and often take flight in unison to escape threats.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon