CreatureData

Dunlin vs Surfbird

The surfbird is heavier: 201 g against 51.9 g for the dunlin, about 3.9 times the weight.

Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
Dunlin NTNear Threatened
Photo: Jevgenijs Slihto from Riga, Latvia · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Surfbird (Calidris virgata)
Surfbird LCLeast Concern
Photo: marlin harms · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

What is the difference between a dunlin and a surfbird?

Each point below is worked out from a pair of recorded values.

  • The surfbird is heavier: 201 g against 51.9 g for the dunlin, about 3.9 times the weight.
  • Both belong to the genus Calidris, so they are close relatives.
  • The dunlin is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List; the surfbird is Least Concern.

Side by side

DunlinSurfbird
Scientific nameCalidris alpinaCalidris virgata
FamilyScolopacidaeScolopacidae
OrderCharadriiformesCharadriiformes
Weight51.9 g – 57.1 g186.9 g – 216.2 g
LengthNot recordedNot recorded
Lifespan19.8 yearsNot recorded
Main foodNot recordedNot recorded
Habitatwetlandcoastal
Conservation statusNear ThreatenedLeast Concern
Countries recordedNot recordedNot recorded

A scale drawing needs a recorded length for both animals; only weights are on record for this pair.

Full record: DunlinFull record: SurfbirdCompare other animals