In their breeding plumage, Dunlin have chestnut-brown plumage, a streaked chest and black belly. In comparison, during the winter months, they are pale grey with white underbellies. In their winter plumage they can easily be confused with Sanderling, another small wading bird. However, Dunlin are smaller and typically have slightly longer bills that are downward curving compared to Sanderling. In flight, large flocks can sometimes be seen performing a murmuration, where birds swirl around in a synchronised manner to confuse predators.
