DUNLIN Meaning and
Definition
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The dunlin is a small-sized migratory shorebird belonging to the family Scolopacidae. Scientifically known as Calidris alpina, this species is commonly found across different regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.
The dunlin typically measures around 18-20 centimeters (7-8 inches) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 32-34 centimeters (13-14 inches). It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males being slightly larger than females. This bird has a distinctive appearance characterized by a slender, curving bill, a black-tipped straight black beak, and relatively long legs which are yellowish-green in color. During breeding season, adults possess a conspicuous reddish-brown and black plumage on their crown, back, and upperparts, whereas non-breeding adults showcase a lighter grayish-brown coloration. Juvenile dunlins have a more mottled brown plumage.
Dunlins commonly inhabit coastal areas, especially tidal flats, sandy beaches, mudflats, and marshes. They demonstrate a highly adaptable foraging behavior, employing a variety of feeding techniques such as probing, pecking, and probing their bills into the soft soil or shallow water to extract invertebrates, crustaceans, insects, and small mollusks as their primary diet.
During the breeding season, dunlins gather in large colonies, often nesting in grassy or mossy areas near wetlands or in the Arctic tundra. They lay 3-4 pale greenish-brown eggs which are carefully incubated by both parents for an average of 20-22 days. After hatching, the young chicks are precocial and swiftly learn to forage for themselves.
Due to their
Common Misspellings for DUNLIN
- sunlin
- xunlin
- cunlin
- funlin
- runlin
- eunlin
- dynlin
- dhnlin
- djnlin
- dinlin
- d8nlin
- d7nlin
- dunpin
- dunoin
- dunlun
- dunljn
- dunlkn
- dunlon
- dunl9n
Etymology of DUNLIN
The word "dunlin" has its origin in Middle English and Old English. It comes from the combination of two words:
1. "Dun" - meaning "dull brownish-grey" or "dingy". It can be traced back to Old English "dunn", which meant "dark-colored" or "swarthy".
2. "-lin" - which was a diminutive suffix commonly used in Middle English to denote a smaller version or younger form of something.
Therefore, "dunlin" can be understood as a diminutive form of "dun", referring to a small bird with a brownish-grey plumage. The name likely describes the coloration of the bird.
Similar spelling words for DUNLIN
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