Dunlins and red knots tend to congregate in large flocks . Most of the time the birds in a flock are all the same species . However , flocks can sometimes be mixed . Dunlins are slightly smaller than red knots ( 8.5 inches versus 10.5 inches ) in length and about five inches smaller in wingspan ( 17 inches versus 23 inches ). In a mixed flock , they are difficult to tell apart , especially when flying . Short-billed dowitchers can also be mixed in . They are even larger at 11 inches long with 19-inch wingspans .
Below is a photo showing a mixed flock . A closer look at the photo reveals a flock of dunlins with several short-billed dowitchers , one or more red knots , and a few semipalmated plovers . Dunlins are distinguished by a black stripe down the tail . Dowitchers have a white stripe between their shoulder blades , and the red knot has a black and white checkered rump . On the ground , the size differences would be more apparent , and the longer bill of the dowitchers and the face patterns of the plover would be more prominent . This photo also points out another way the identity of an LBB can be determined — using the wing patterns that are visible only when the bird flies . Most shorebirds have four overlapping rows of feathers growing from the bones that correspond to the upper arm , the forearm , the thumb , and the hands of human beings . The rows correspond to the feathers in the primaries , secondaries , tertials , and the covering feathers called coverts . Similar rows of covering feathers are found on the underside of the wing as well as on the neck , back , and rump .
Beyond size , breeding / nonbreeding plumage , and wing patterns there are some LBB ’ s that just look a lot alike . The three species of small plovers that are most common on Kiawah ( the piping plover , semipalmated plover , and Wilson ’ s plover ) are all about the same size and have wing patterns that are very similar . The differences are in their coloration ( including leg color ), their face pattern and , to some extent , in their stance and foraging behavior . The piping plover is a very light tan as if it were faded . It has yellow legs and a short beak . They tend to feed on the over-washed sections of the beach .
Piping plovers .
The semipalmated plover has darker coloration and bolder facial markings with black masks around the eyes . Otherwise it is similar to the piping plover . Both give the impression of a plump little bird . Wilson ’ s plovers are slightly larger , with a leaner body , longer legs , and different facial markings . They also have a darker , more prominent , and heavier beak . They tend to carry themselves differently than the other two birds . When nesting they will also try to distract you from the nest area by flying a short distance , landing , waiting for you to approach , then flying again . They will even fake a broken or damaged wing to entice the intruder closer , and when you come too close will once again fly away — all the while giving a distress call .
Many of the shorebirds have a prominent white stripe down the middle of the wing . The white stripe is the result of a row of dark feathers on the top of the wing covering longer white feathers in a lower row , which in turn overlie the still longer dark primary and secondary feathers used for flying . Differences in the colors of these overlapping rows of feathers on different species of shorebird determine the wing , back , and tail patterns . As we have seen , these can be important for identification .
Semipalmated plover . Wilson ’ s plover .
10 Naturally Kiawah