Taxonomy
Calidris alpina | Dunlin | Breacóg
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
Continued severe downward
population declines have been noted in this species (Gilbert, Stanbury and Lewis, 2021).
According to the last IUCN Red
List assessment in 2016, the Dunlin is a species of ‘Least Concern’ on a global
scale. However, a decreasing global population trend was noted.
Species Biology
Identification
The Dunlin is a small species of
wader with a dark, marginally down-curved bill, brown upperparts with dark
patterning throughout, whitish underparts with dark patterning and a
characteristic black belly patch.
The legs are black.
Plumage can vary between age and
season so some hardship may be encountered when identifying in the field.
The Dunlin stands at 16-20 cm in
length with a wingspan of 35-40 cm and a weight range of 40-50 grams.
Diet
The Dunlin feeds on invertebrates
such as worms, molluscs and insects that it probes for with its long bill.
Habitat
Breeding individuals in Ireland
are best suited to sandy, grassy habitats such as machair.
Being a ground nesting species,
the Dunlin prefers sparsely vegetated habitats with a low sward height.
Wintering individuals can be seen
across virtually all coastal habitats with a preference for estuaries and tidal
mudflats.
Reproduction
This species lays a clutch of
four eggs, each weighing approximately 10.2 grams, and incubates them for a
period of 21-22 days.
The young will fledge after 19-21
days.
A typical wild Dunlin has a life
expectancy of around five years with breeding occurring after two years.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
During the summer, visitors
arrive from north-western Africa and Europe.
Winter visitors from Scandinavia
and Siberia are often stop in Ireland. Passage migrants have also been
recorded.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/dunlin/
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/dunlin/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob5120.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22693427/155480296
References
Publications
Gilbert, G., Stanbury, A. and Lewis, L., 2021. Birds of Conservation
Concern in Ireland 4: 2020-2026. [online] Wicklow. Available at:
<https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds-of-conservation-concern-in-ireland/>
[Accessed 2 Jun. 2021].