Eurasian Whimbrel

Numenius phaeopus

Family: Sandpipers and Allies · Status: Common migrant · Size: 40–46 cm · Conservation: Not Evaluated

Range

Breeds across the subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters along coastal areas of South America, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, East and Southeast Asia, and Australasia.

Identification

Large greyish-brown shorebird with a long, decurved bill ending with a downward kink. Prominent blackish-brown crown with pale central stripe, dark lateral crown stripe, and dark eyestripe contrast with broad whitish supercilium. Buffish-white neck and breast with dark streaks; upperparts dark with buff spots. Legs and feet grey. Eurasian Curlew and Far Eastern Curlew have much longer, more decurved bills and lack the distinct dark crown stripe and well-defined eyestripe that characterise this species. Little Curlew is smaller with a shorter, more evenly decurved bill and lacks dark lores.

Habitat

Tidal mudflats, rocky and sandy beaches, salt marshes, and mangrove swamps.

Behaviour

Gregarious. Feeds by probing; diet mainly marine invertebrates including crabs, worms, and molluscs.