Dunlin

Dunlin is another shorebird that goes through quite a transition into mating plumage

A chunky, small shorebird with medium-length legs, a short neck, and a long bill that is curved toward the tip.

Nonbreeding adults, which we observe on the Florida Panhandle, have grayish brown upperparts, head, and breast, and are pale below

Breeding adults have a bright rusty back and crown, black belly patch, and white underparts.

Dunlin walk slowly while probing in the mud.

They breed in the wet tundra and winter in coastal lagoons.