The dunlin has a long and slightly down-curved bill. In the summer, it is red-brown on the back with thin, black and red-brown vertical patterns from the cheeks to the chest. There is also a black patch on the center of the belly. When it flies, the wings show slightly white colorations. Large numbers of dunlins fly to Taiwan to spend the winter.
Habits: The dunlin often walks in fast, tiny steps and usually forages on the beach at low tide. When the tide rises, the birds rest in inland fishponds by the levee and forage in paddy fields in small flocks. These birds are generally active near the shore.
Winter/Common; Body length: 20 cm
Birdwatching period: September-May
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