The Natural World of Southern Vancouver Island through the lens of Captain Yves- PART 15
The Dunlin was once called the Red-backed Sandpiper due to its wonderful rusty back plumage it has during breeding season.
Now they are named after their dull non breeding plumage. Dun originates from an old English word meaning grey.
In winter, Dunlin roost and forage in large flocks in saltwater areas such as estuaries and lagoons, but many forage in wet or flooded farm fields.
Dunlin eat mostly invertebrates found in mud, fine sand, or soil. It is easy for them to forage in this environment because of their long beak.