The Dunlin is a small shorebird belonging to the sandpiper family, known scientifically as *Calidris alpina*. It typically measures about 6 to 8 inches in length and has a distinctive long, slender bill. Dunlins are often found in coastal areas, mudflats, and wetlands, where they forage for insects, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. During migration, Dunlins travel long distances between their breeding grounds in the Arctic and wintering habitats in warmer regions. They are recognized for their characteristic black belly patch during the breeding season and their social behavior, often seen in flocks while foraging or resting along shorelines.