Dunlin or Knot

[Dogghound]

Are these : -



Dunlin or Knot? Im thinking Knot. Also apart from comparing pictures is there a reliable way of telling the difference in winter plumage, they look very similar to me. I know dunlins have a slightly curved bill but it seems very slight.

On a rocky shore.

Cheers.

[Ruth Daniel]

They look like Knot to me too,nice pic!
Yes Dunlins bills are slightly downturned.

[Chris Hawes]

Definitely knot. As has been said, the dunlin's bill is down-pointed, and I would say a bit longer too. I also find the dunlins to be paler underneath than knot. Knot tend to have a more speckled appearance to their chest and flanks, whereas the underside of a winter dunlin is almost pure white.

[PMG]

Yes they are knot! The jizz is a 'podgy' looking bird - very often rounded like grey plover - the give away are those grey 'arrow heads' along the flanks Nice pic.

Pauline

[Dogghound]

Thanks alot, Ruth, Chris and Pauline. It is greatly appreciated.

[Gill Catton]

Definately knot - I mean they are knot

ha ha

To my eye they are part way between a dunlin and a grey plover, in size, bill shape/ size and plumage.

[Dogghound]

Thanks Gill.