Dunlin
Scientific Name: Calidris alpinaMaltese Name: Beggazzina tad-Dabra
Family: Sandpipers (Scolopacidae
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Dunlin is a medium-sized wader. It has brownish upper sides and white undersides. It has a long, slightly curved black bill. In summer, adults have a fine dark black patch on its whitish breast. Has a distinctive treerrrrrr call. Breeds on the ground where it lays 4 eggs. As other waders, it typically feeds by searching for insects and worms in mud near the water edge, often feeds alongside other wader species. Breeds in northern European countries and most birds winter in North Africa.
Status:
Regular migrant which is recorded in almost all months of the year.
When to See:
Spring; from March until May. Then return passage from July until November.
Where to See:
Ghadira & Simar Nature Reserves and Salina are the best sites to see this bird. It is also regularly seen feeding on rocky shores such as Ghallis and Marsascala. It is also seen migrating out at see in small flocks.
Photographs:
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Dunlins, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Dunlin, Marsascala | Dunlin, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Dunlin, Marsascala |
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