DUNLIN
The dunlin is a small, starling sized wader, being 160 to 200mm long. The Winter plumage is grey-brown above and white below. They have black markings on their flanks and belly. The legs and slightly downward curving bill are black. On the tip of a dunlins bill is a soft covering, filled with many nerve endings. This forms a sensitive probe that is used to locate invertebrate prey in the mud or sand. The individual dunlin we get on Kefalonia, have migrated from Africa, where they have overwintered. They are on their way to Northern Europe, where they form large flocks and change their plumage for breeding.
All the dunlin I have seen on the island, have been on the coast, usually with other waders (little ringed plovers being popular). They move along the beach or mudflat in a characteristic “sewing machine” movement, methodically picking up small food items, including molluscs, worms and crustaceans. If the dunlin take flight as you try to sneak closer for a better photograph, you will see a narrow white wing bar, and the flight will be very fast.
