The Primary Moult of the Dunlin Calidris alpina at the Wash

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Abstract
The primary molt of the dunlin, C. a. alpina, at the Wash is described. A new statistical method for estimating the duration of the molt period of a population is developed and individual molt duration is considered, using population parameters and data from retraps. Differences were found in the timing and duration of the molt season in different years. Within 1 yr, late molting individuals molted more rapidly than early birds. The adaptive significance of these differences within the annual cycle is discussed.