Extremes within a Bird Family - Page 2

Dunlins breed across the Arctic and are common in western and northern Alaska. The Dunlin is an excellent example of a monogamous species. The male arrives from its winter site in early June and immediately starts defending a territory. Within a week, the female, who might be his mate from the previous year, has joined him. Together they build a nest and incubate eggs. The male incubates at night, and the female generally takes the day shift. When the eggs have hatched, the parents once again divide their duties, and the family remains together for several weeks while the young learn to fly. Semipalmated, Stilt, and Western Sandpipers are also monogamous.