Dunlin
ExploreBirds
Dunlin
Calidris alpina
The Dunlin is a small shorebird with a long, curved beak. They love to run along the beach and look for tiny creatures to eat. Their feathers change color with the seasons, making them look different throughout the year!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Dunlin is a small shorebird with a slightly down-curved black bill. In summer, it has a reddish-brown back and a distinctive black belly patch. In winter, it becomes plainer, mostly grey-brown above and white below.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusCalidris
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Dunlins can change their whole look, shedding old feathers for new ones twice a year!
During courtship, male Dunlins perform fancy aerial displays to attract a mate.
One Dunlin might travel over 10,000 kilometers each year just to migrate!
Their name might come from "dun," meaning brownish, and "ling," a small bird!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Sniffer Bill
Dunlin can find hidden worms and crustaceans in the mud because their sensitive bills detect prey without seeing it.
Ability
Synchronized Swirls
Dunlin can fly in huge, swirling flocks called murmurations that help confuse predators and look amazing.
Ability
Migration Marathon
Dunlin has incredible stamina that helps them fly thousands of kilometers between their breeding and wintering grounds.
Ability
Master of Disguise
Dunlin can blend into its muddy or grassy surroundings because its mottled brown and grey feathers provide excellent camouflage.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 16-22 cm
- Wingspan
- 32-39 cm
- Weight
- 0.04-0.08 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Top Speed
- 70 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-4
- Incubation
- 20-22 days
- Migration Distance
- 8000 km
Diet & Feeding
Dunlins love to eat tiny critters they find hidden in the mud and sand, like worms and small insects.
Primary Foods
- marine worms
- crustaceans
- mollusks
- insect larvae
- spiders
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
Fast falcons hunt Dunlins mid-flight.
eaten by
Arctic Fox
Vulpes lagopus
Arctic foxes hunt Dunlin nests and chicks on the tundra.
hunts
Ragworm
Nereis virens
Dunlins probe mudflats to find and eat ragworms.
hunts
Ocean Gammarus
Gammarus oceanicus
Dunlins forage for tiny crustaceans like Gammarus in shallow water.
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Migratory
Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch or chase them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Dunlin?
16-22 cm
What is Dunlin's wingspan?
32-39 cm
How much does Dunlin weigh?
0.04-0.08 kg
How long does Dunlin live?
5-10 years
How fast can Dunlin move?
70 km/h
What does Dunlin eat?
Dunlins love to eat tiny critters they find hidden in the mud and sand, like worms and small insects.
Where is Dunlin usually found?
Coastal areas
How does Dunlin hunt?
Foraging
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