dunlin
Calidris alpina
Compare with:
curlew sandpiper
Key facts
Most widespread and abundant wader found on estuaries
Habitat: marshes, estuaries, shores and moors
Widespread and common wader; winters in S. Britain breeds in N. Britain
Recognition
Summer: black belly, chestnut and black upperparts; winter: pale grey above, white below; medium black bill
Feeds busily in hunched-up posture; forms enormous flocks
Eats crustaceans, molluscs; in flight has white wingbar
Lifecycle
Nest is a hollow on ground
1 Brood May to June; 4 eggs greenish, blotched brown
.jpg)

