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| Dunlin - Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve 19th March 2011 |
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.
Hello friends,
ReplyDeleteThe Dunlin is highly gregarious in winter,sometimes forming large flocks on coastal mudflats or sandy beaches. Large numbers can often be seen swirling in synchronized flight on stop-overs during migration or on their winter habitat. Thanks a lot!
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