Variation in  Dunlin in Breeding Plumage

A small flock of four Dunlin landed on the rocks at Colonel Sam Smith Park in Toronto on  23 May 2012, allowing close study. Each was different. Left Dunlin above is likely in first breeding plumage. It has several grey first summer scapulars. The feathers of the belly patch are still edged in white, indicating they recently molted in. Molt is often later in first year birds. Both first breeding and adult breeding have very worn wing coverts. Right Dunlin is a adult with grey tips to some scapulars and a patterned breeding tertial.

Same as right Dunlin above showing grey tips to several scapulars and one new breeding tertial.

This individual has grey tips to many scapulars. Its wing coverts and tertials are very worn, retained from previous winter plumage.

The individual at the back has many fresh white tipped scapulars. Its coverts and tertials are very worn, retained from previous winter plumage. Next time I see Dunlin, I will be sure to look for individual variation.