Dunlin- Hebridean Birds
Western Isles Birds - Dunlins - Hebridean Birds - Western Isles Birds.
The Dunlins - small wading birds which pass through the Western Isles on their way to the Arctic.
Very adaptable birds seen in Scotland and The Western Isles - happy on the beaches - coastal or freshwater marshes and even riverbanks.
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| Bird Overview - Dunlin |
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Latin name |
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Population |
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Similar Species |
Knot
Curlew Sandpiper
Sanderling
Little Stint |
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| Description |
A small wading bird the dunlins cover a variety of habitats. Dunlins have a slightly down-curved bill and a distinctive black belly patch in breeding plumage in the summer. in winter plumage they have completely clean flanks and bellies.
In flight, the Dunlin is one of many small waders which show a pale wing bar and white sides to the tail. Dunlins have a slightly hunched appearance
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| Size |
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| Habitat |
The dunlin is found in a range of habitats - from coastal marshes to beaches to riverbanks and freshwater rivers - although mainly coastal areas. |
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| Food |
Insects - snails and worms - these birds will wade quite deeply - probing to pick up the worms and snails etc
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| Voice |
The dunlin has a distinctive call which sounds like a "pea whistle"
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| Breeding |
The curlews breed between April and July. Incubation is 27 - 29 days and the young fledge at 5 weeks. These birds nest on the ground in low vegetation. After breeding the curlews head to the coast
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| Misc. Info |
When breeding dunlins seek out a wide range of grassy areas - meadows, moors. Dunlins are ground nesters and are especially vulnerable to mammal predators - so pairs sometimes have several breeding attempts before they are successful. They have 4 eggs and one brood - May - July. |
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