Literature review to assess bird species connectivity to Special ...

2.15 Dunlin
2.15.1 Foraging
Foraging range
A study on the Western Isles found that adults generally feed within 500m, and
occasionally up to 1km, from the nest during incubation and brood-rearing (Jackson,
1988). Foraging flights during the pre- and post-breeding periods were found to be
up to 2km in distance (Jackson, 1988).
Territory sizes ranging between 5.7ha and 6.9ha have been recorded in Alaska
(Holmes, 1966), which equate to distances of up to 150m.
In terms of maximum distances, adults have been recorded foraging up to 3km from
the location of their brood (Soikkeli, 1970).
2.15.2 Nesting
No information pertinent to connectivity was found.
2.15.3 Display flights
Pair-formation occurs on breeding territory or on adjacent feeding grounds (Cramp &
Simmons, 1983). Males perform display flights, during most of the early breeding
season, at a typical height of 10m to 50m (Holmes, 1966; Cramp & Simmons, 1983).
The display flight involves a rapid ascent, followed by alternate gliding down and
regaining of height.
Display flights occur most frequently between arrival on breeding grounds and pairformation,
most commonly between 06:00h and 09:00h (Cramp & Simmons, 1983).
The displays can last from a few seconds to up to approximately 3.5 minutes.
2.15.4 Competitive behaviour
Competitor interaction behaviour
Territorial behaviour can occur on nesting territory and involve aerial pursuit, ground
pursuit, and ground combat (Cramp & Simmons, 1983). Display flights, as described
above, can arise in response to sight or sound of conspecific neighbours.
2.15.5 Habitat use
Chick habitat choice
Breeding habitat of Scottish birds tends to be wet upland and montane heath,
generally with frequent pool systems (Lavers & Haines-Young, 1996). Breeding sites
on upland moors are generally at altitudes of up to 1000m (Cramp & Simmons,
1983).
2.15.6 Winter behaviour
Winter movements
Outside the breeding season, dunlin are generally found along coasts, especially on
mudflats rich in invertebrate prey that are available as the tide ebbs (Cramp &
Simmons, 1983).
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