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Racial ID of Dunlin (1 Viewer)

rosy tern

New member
Hi,

Attached are some pics of an odd looking dunlin seen last week. This bird was not hanging out with other dunlin present, refused to fly (presumably from exhaustion) and was very worn. It struck me as being totally different jizz wise to other dunlin seen just minutes before. Long legged, long billed, long winged, and in a different stage of moult to other dunlin present. Can anyone help to shed light on its subspecies and origins?

:h?:

Thanks

Rosy
 

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Hi Rosy,

I'd hazard a guess that it is Calidris alpina hudsonia (breeds northern Canada, winters mostly SE USA). This (and the western American race pacifica) are both larger and longer-billed than the European races (schinzi, alpina, arctica).

Not sure about the moult, I'd have to look in more detail in BWP to see if there's any info, maybe later today.

Michael
 
There doesn't appear to be any odd stage of moult going on, it looks like a Dunlin changing slowly into its summer attire to me.
As for the race, well if I saw it alone, I wouldn't be running home to check on any trans-atlantic variant, there's enough variation with breeding birds in this country to be going on with.......
 
Don't forget sakhalina (spp) too. It looks long-billed but perhaps not as extreme as hudsonia

If its dull tomorrow I'll have a read up.
 
alcedo.atthis said:
At the risk of getting in too deep.......it's too rufous Malky.


Mmmm??

Excellent selective use of one shot to cast doubt Malky! ;)

I'm with Jane on alpina
 
Excellent selective use of one shot to cast doubt Malky! ;)

I'm with Jane on alpina

Alpina???

Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm










Mmmmalky!!
 

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The grey nape probably means it is a male - the bill looks just about ok for a female alpina but can a male alpina really have a bill that long?

Dave
 
Thanks for thoughts so far. Seems like most are plumping for alpina. I have to say having done some reading that I'd favour alpina too. However this bird just struck me as being totally different to the other full summer plumage dunlin that were present nearby. What these pics don't show too well are the long primaries which extended well beyond the tail, the long legs, and the odd stance that it would often pose in with neck extended and body raised. Its jizz was more like a curlew sand than a dunlin. I have some more photos that I will try to attach tomorrow.

Rosy
 
The grey nape probably means it is a male - the bill looks just about ok for a female alpina but can a male alpina really have a bill that long?

Dave

Just curious, have you read "Guide to the Identification and Ageing of Holartic Waders".

Malky
 
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