Birds of Ireland: Dunlin

They are a scarce breeding species usually seen here in Autumn, Winter and Spring in estuaries and along the coast. 

A dunlin is about the size of a starling and both sexes are similar — they have a relatively long, thin, slightly downcurved dark beak and relatively long dark legs. 

Their breeding plumage features a black belly patch and a bright brown back. Their non breeding plumage has no distinctive features but lacks the black belly patch and is overall grey above and white below. 

Juvenile and immature dunlin have two thin white Vs on their back and dark streaks and spots on the breast and sides of the belly. 

In flight a dunlin has no striking features, but a dark line down the centre of the upper tail is visible as are thin white wing stripes — and a black belly patch on the breeding plumage. 

Dunlin fly with rapid wingbeats and fly in a direct manner. 

Tip of the Week

The golden rule in local conservation is never to wait until a site comes under threat to try save it as this may be too late. Don't wait for someone else to protect your environment because they probably won't.

Any arguments for saving a wildlife area should always be backed by strong evidence or data. Contact BirdWatch Ireland or the RSPB and ask their advice. The area in which you are interested in protecting may have been included in a survey at some time in the past and any information on its wildlife value would strengthen your case.

Unfortunately in this age of budgets and cash-strapped local authorities, arguments based solely on emotion will rarely save 'your' site. 

• Featured in Birds of Ireland: A Field Guide, (Gill Books) by Jim Wilson, with photographs by Mark Carmody.
• Jim Wilson is a wildlife writer, broadcaster, tour leader, and former chairman of BirdWatch Ireland. He has been involved in the study and conservation of birds in Ireland for more than 45 years, contributing to several major surveys and international projects.
• Mark Carmody is an award-winning wildlife photographer, has a PhD in biochemistry and works as a European patent attorney.