Dunlin - Calidris alpina
Dunlin, winter plumage - Dunlin, winter plumage
General Description
Long, black legs with long, decuved bill. Black belly, rufous cap, and bright rufous brown back. Few differences in plummage in sexes. Males have darker bellies and grayer faces, while females are bigger in size.
Distribution
Montana Range
Migration
The species is primarily a coastal migrant in the western U.S.
Habitat
Migrant birds are usually seen on mud flats or sandy beaches (Johnsgard 1986).
Food Habits
Diet consists of all varieties of invertebrates with the occasional plant material and small fish.
Reproductive Characteristics
Single or double brooded species with four eggs per brood. Incubation period 21-22 days. Young able to fly 19-21 days after hatch.