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 Dunlin Calidris alpine L 18. Uncommon and local breeder on grassy moorland with pools, lowland mosses and saltmarshes (race schinzii). Large flocks come from tundras in the far northeast (mainly the race alpine). On southward migration in large tight flocks along coastal flats, also quite common inland (muddy areas, sewage-farms, reservoirs etc). Adults in summer are black on the belly, in winter insipidly grey-brown above, white below, but fairly long, slightly decurved (outer half) bill is characteristic. Juvenile rather contrastingly brown-patterned above (almost like Little Stint), distinguished by heavily grey-spotted flanks. In Sept acquires rows of grey winter feathers interspersed in the wings. Call a wheezy whistled 'keeerrr', but call heard from feeding flocks at close range is entirely different: high 'beep-beep, beep....'. Flight display begins with gloomy 'uerrp, uerrp,...', changes to rising, strained 'rrUee-rrUee-.....', ends in a falling and slightly decelerating 'rururururururu'. RSWP
 An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising birds
is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe,
which is a comprehensive reference guide to Britain
and mainland Europe's plethora of ornithological life.
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