Dunlin

The dunlin is a small shorebird with soft brown feathers, often seen darting along beaches and mudflats. Its name comes from an old word meaning 'little brown one.' These busy birds migrate long distances, forming swirling flocks over coastal wetlands.

• Their scientific name Calidris alpina hints at their high Arctic breeding grounds.
• People first called them 'dunlings' over 500 years ago.
• They get their name from their dusty brown plumage.