Editing Dunlin (section)

==Behaviour==
The dunlin is highly gregarious in winter, sometimes forming large flocks on coastal mudflats or sandy beaches. Large numbers can often be seen swirling in synchronized flight on stop-overs during migration or on their winter habitat.

This bird is one of the most common waders throughout its breeding and wintering ranges, and it is the species with which other waders tend to be compared. At {{convert|17|–|21|cm|in|abbr=on}} length and with a {{convert|32|–|36|cm|in|abbr=on}} [[wingspan]], it is similar in size to a [[common starling]], but stouter, with a longer, thicker bill.

The dunlin moves along the coastal mudflat beaches it prefers with a characteristic "sewing machine" feeding action, methodically picking small food items. [[Insect]]s form the main part of the dunlin's diet on the nesting grounds; it eats [[mollusca|molluscs]], [[worm]]s and [[crustacean]]s in coastal areas.

[[File:Calidris alpina MWNH 0158.JPG|thumb|Eggs, Collection [[Museum Wiesbaden]], Germany]]

===Breeding===
The nest is a shallow scrape on the ground lined with vegetation, into which typically four eggs are laid and [[avian incubation|incubated]] by the male and female parents. Chicks are [[Precociality and altriciality|precocial]], but are brooded during early development. They start to fly at approximately three weeks of age. The majority of brood care is provided by the male, as the female deserts the brood and often leaves the breeding area.

Apparent [[hybrid (biology)|hybrids]] between this species and the [[white-rumped sandpiper]] as well as with the [[purple sandpiper]] have been reported from the Atlantic coasts of North America<ref name=McLaughlin2000/><ref name=Wilson/> and Europe,<ref name=Millington1994/> respectively.