Dunlin Watching in Oregon

The Dunlin is a shorebird that uses most of Oregon during its migration period, and can be found in limited numbers along the coast during winter. They are usually between 6 and 8 inches in length, with a short neck and a long bill, and during their non-breeding time in Oregon their plummage is a dull brownish gray with a white belly.Dunlins are waders, so they spend their time on or near the shore searching for insects. The size and shape of their bill allows them to find some that other larger and smaller waders miss in the same territory.

Habitats for Dunlins

The Dunlin spends its winters on or near the coast, in mudflats, estuaries, or on the sand. In Oregon you generally won't find them more than a few miles from the ocean so it's best to look in coastal wetland areas if not the beach itself.

Best seasons to see Dunlins in Oregon

Since breeding takes place in only the northern reaches of North America, you are only going to find Dunlins in winter along the coast, and occasionally in spring and fall inland during their migration.

Dunlins in Oregon summary

Typical habitat: Beaches or coastal wetlands
Seasons: Winter, plus spring and fall migration
Abundance: Somewhat common on the coast in winter, and uncommon otherwise

	Facebook Fan Page
	Follow us on Twitter
	Watch us on YouTube
	Request a Visitor Guide View the Digital Visitor Guide

Oregon's Washington County Slideshow: A trip from Portland, Oregon, United States to 12 cities including Hillsboro, Tigard, Beaverton, Wilsonville and Forest Grove was created by TripAdvisor.