Greenland Dunlin is at best a rare late spring passage migrant in very small numbers. They breed in
the north east
of Greenland and winter in west Africa. The form 'arctica' is the
smallest of the three dunlin forms that occur on the Severn Estuary and usually shortest
billed. The scapular fringes are narrow with more extensive black
centres, the breast streaking is fine and feint on a white
background and the belly patch is small. They appear very cold and
greyish toned above and care must be taken with second
calendar year birds with only partial colourful plumage.
Greenland Dunlin is a rare
passage migrant to S. Gloucestershire,
those documented are;
2011: (2)
At Severn Beach with Dunlin, one was noted in a flock of 22 on May
15th and a further individual was seen in a flock of 10 on May 22nd.
2010: (c. 6)
At Severn Beach with Dunlin, at least two were identified in a flock
of 66 on May 23rd with a further four in a flock of 25 on May 26th.
2008: (4)
One was reported from Severn Beach with Dunlin in a flock of 60 on
May 16th with two in a flock of 140 on May 20th and one in a flock
of 23 on June 2nd.
