Dunlin
Calidris alpina
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The most abundant wader on the Sefton Coast in winter. Often overlooked because of its small size and tendency to feed in dense flocks with other species, but worth a closer look — the drooped bill tip is distinctive. Dunlin from several different breeding populations pass through or winter here, from Greenland to Siberia. Numbers have declined significantly in recent decades, which is why it now sits on the red list.
At a Glance
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Habitat | Mudflat · Coastal lagoon · Estuary · Saltmarsh |
| Diet | Small invertebrates, marine worms, crustaceans picked from mud |
| UK population | Around 340,000 wintering birds, declining |
| Sefton Coast | Thousands along the Ribble Estuary and Marshside lagoons in winter |
| Conservation | UK Red List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB lagoons and mudflats. Ribble Estuary at low tide. Often in mixed flocks with Knot.
Identification
Small brown wader with distinctive drooped bill tip. Black belly patch in summer plumage. Pale greyish-brown in winter.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Look for the drooped bill to pick them out in mixed wader flocks. They often feed right at the water's edge.
Conservation Status
UK Red List
This species is on the UK Red List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating serious concern about its population decline or unfavourable conservation status. Monitoring this species on the Sefton Coast contributes to national population tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify Dunlin?
The key feature is the drooped tip to the bill — no other common small wader has this. In summer plumage the black belly patch is obvious. In winter they are dull greyish-brown and easily confused with other small waders, but the drooped bill always gives them away.
Why is Dunlin on the Red List?
Dunlin populations have declined significantly due to loss of intertidal habitat, agricultural intensification on breeding grounds, and climate change affecting Arctic breeding areas. The UK wintering population has fallen by more than 50% over recent decades.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.