Dunlin Calidris alpina

Dunlin
Dunlin
The Dunlin is a small, songthrush-sized common wader (but larger than a Little Stint) seen usually on coastal mudflats on migration.
Dunlin
Dunlin
Dunlin
Dunlin breed around the Arctic and subarctic and migrate to the tropics in winter, some around central America, Arabia and coastal Far East and others as far as southern Africa.
Dunlin
Dunlin
Dunlin
The long bill and legs are black. A white wing bar is visible in flight. Breeding plumage is a rufous back and includes a black belly (but not face and chest like some plovers).
Dunlin
Dunlin
Dunlin flock with Sanderling
Winter plumage is pale grey-brown with a light belly. Dunlin form huge flocks in winter.
Dunlin
Dunlin
Dunlin
Feeding is a "sewing machine" action to take worms and small crustaceans or insects from mudflats.