dunlin
Definition
- Noun:
- A small, common sandpiper (Calidris alpina) that breeds in northern or Arctic regions and migrates to winter in warmer areas, such as the southern United States or the Mediterranean regions. It is characterized by its relatively short legs and a bill that curves slightly downward.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- We spotted a flock of dunlin feeding along the muddy shoreline.
- The dunlin is known for its impressive long-distance migration.
Advanced Usage
- "A dunlin in winter plumage": Refers to the bird's appearance during the non-breeding season, when its feathers are less colorful, primarily pale gray above and white below.
- It was harder to identify the shorebird as it was a dunlin in winter plumage.
Variants and Related Words
- Red-backed sandpiper: An older, alternative common name for the dunlin, referring to its reddish-brown breeding plumage.
- The guidebook listed the dunlin under its former name, the red-backed sandpiper.
Synonyms
- Common sandpiper: A general descriptive synonym, though this term can sometimes refer to other species in the sandpiper family.
- Shorebird: A broader category that includes the dunlin and other birds that inhabit coastal areas.
Related Phrases
- "A flock of dunlin": The typical term for a group of these birds, often seen wheeling in synchronized flight.
- A dense flock of dunlin moved like a single organism over the waves.
Related Idioms
Noun
-
small common sandpiper that breeds in northern or Arctic regions and winters in southern United States or Mediterranean regions
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