Bird Guide

Dunlin vs Sanderling

Dunlin (Calidris alpina)

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

Small52 gWetland

Measurements: Length: 16–20 cm (6.3–7.9 in) Weight: 34–77 g (1+1⁄4–2+3⁄4 oz) Wingspan: 38–43 cm (15–17 in) An adult dunlin in breeding plumage shows the distinctive black belly which no other similar-sized wader possesses. In winter, dunlins are greyish-brown above and white below. Juveniles are brown above with two weak whitish "V" shapes on the back, though less obvious than the same feature on little stint and some other species in the genus. They usually have black marks on the flanks or belly. All ages show a narrow white wingbar in flight. The legs and slightly decurved bill are black.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Dunlin
Recorded by Sonothèque ADVL · Flight call, song · Arrondissement of Avranches (near Vains), Manche, Normandy, France · CC0
Photo: Hobbyfotowiki Camera location64° 09′ 19.79″ N, 22° 01′ 07.84″ W View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap 64.155498; -22.018844 · CC0
Sanderling (Calidris alba)

Sanderling

Calidris alba

Small52 gCoastal

The sanderling is a small plump sandpiper, 18–20 cm (7–8 in) in length. Its weight ranges from 40–100 g (1+1⁄2–3+1⁄2 oz). The winter bird is very pale, almost white apart from a dark shoulder patch. This is the source of the specific name, alba, which is the Latin for "white". Later in the summer, the face and throat become brick-red. The juvenile bird is spangled black and white, and shows much more contrast than the adult.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Sanderling
Recorded by Sonothèque ADVL · Call · Embouchure du Thar (Saint-Pair-sur-Mer), Manche, Normandie, France · CC0
Photo: Stephan Sprinz · CC BY 4.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Dunlin and Sanderling.