Shoreham-by-Sea - by the Adur. This is in January so winter plumage. In breeding plumage Dunlins have a black belly - males having a more distinct black belly and more intensely marked with a paler grey nape. In addition, females are larger than the males and have longer and more decurved bills.

Dunlin (Calidris alpina) - non-breeding plumage (31/01/2009) Shoreham-by-Sea - by the Adur. This is in January so winter plumage. In breeding plumage Dunlins have a black belly - males having a more distinct black belly and more intensely marked with a paler grey nape. In addition, females are larger than the males and have longer and more decurved bills.

Shoreham-by-Sea - by the Adur. The tip of their bills have a covering that fills with blood and has many nerve endings - creating a sensitive probe to locate prey in mud and sand.

Dunlin (Calidris alpina) - non-breeding plumage (31/01/2009) Shoreham-by-Sea - by the Adur. The tip of their bills have a covering that fills with blood and has many nerve endings - creating a sensitive probe to locate prey in mud and sand.

Shoreham-by-Sea - by the Adur. Another non-breeder. Sadly no photos of them in the breeding season yet.

Dunlin (Calidris alpina) - non-breeding plumage (31/01/2009) Shoreham-by-Sea - by the Adur. Another non-breeder. Sadly no photos of them in the breeding season yet.

Dunlin (Calidris alpina) - non-breeding plumage (28/01/2006) Shoreham-by-Sea - by the Adur. Several non-breeding birds here with their white bellies.