Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris ferruginea
Length 19cm

Very similar to dunlin but has more markedly downcurved bill and conspicuous white rump, latter best seen in flight. Occurs in Britain and Ireland as scarce passage migrant mainly in autumn en route from Arctic breeding grounds to African wintering range. Most birds seen are juvenile with pale-edged feathers on back giving scaly appearance and white belly and buffish breast. In winter, adult bird has grey upperparts and white underparts. In breeding plumage, head, neck and underparts become orange-red; both adult plumages encountered in migrants.