Dunlin, Calidris alpina
In full breeding plumage, Dunlins have a solid black patch on the belly; both the the one above, and the one on the right below, with a smaller Western Sandpiper, are still growing that patch in. The one below has the colorful upperparts breeding plumage almost complete.
The Fall migration of Dunlins is much later than that of other small sandpipers, and they arrive fully molted to non-breeding plumage. A profile view, above, shows the long drooping bill; the non-breeding plumage in March has the fringes of the upperpart feathers worn off.
Above and below, Dunlins with fresh non-breeding plumage in early fall; note the light-colored feather tips on the upperparts.
