The whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) is a wading bird that is similar to its relative the curlew in several respects but is much less likely to be seen unless you live in Scandinavia or sub-Saharan Africa. British birdwatchers are most likely to spot whimbrels when the birds stop for a while during their migrations north or south.
Appearance
At 40-42 centimetres in length, the whimbrel is smaller than the curlew. It also has shorter legs and bill, the latter being straighter than the curlew’s although it does curve near the tip, as does the curlew’s. The plumage is also similar to that of the curlew, being dark brown above and lighter below. There is a white V-shaped patch on the lower back that is clearly seen when in flight. This patch distinguishes whimbrels seen in Europe from their American cousins, on which the patch is dark.
The head markings are distinctive, with two broad dark bands on the crown, separated by a paler stripe. There is also a darker line through the eye.
Behaviour
The whimbrel is sometimes known as the “seven whistler” because of its distinctive seven-note rippling call. During the breeding season it has a bubbling call that is confusingly like that of the curlew.
Migrating whimbrels can usually be seen in coastal locations, such as estuaries and salt marshes. They are likely to be in small groups, feeding either from the surface or probing into the mud like curlews. Food includes periwinkles, crabs and shrimps. Sometimes they venture inland where they will feed on worms, slugs, spiders and insects.
Breeding
The only area of the British Isles where whimbrels breed regularly is north-east Scotland and the northern isles, although the Shetlands are where the greatest concentration of breeding whimbrels is to be found. Whimbrels are often seen breeding alongside arctic skuas, taking advantage of the latter’s habit of chasing away gulls and other predators.
The whimbrel nests on the ground in the open, the nest being a scrape lined with vegetation. The clutch of four eggs is incubated by both parents for around 27 days. The young are fed by the parent birds as well being able to fend for themselves. They fledge at around 35 days, after which they are fully independent.
The migration of whimbrels from their northern breeding grounds begins in July and ends in late September, by which time some of them will have reached South Africa (most European birds winter in West Africa). It is therefore during these months that the birds are likely to be seen around British coasts. The r
The whimbrel is a protected species in the British Isles, with breeding numbers increasing slowly in recent years.
Appearance
At 40-42 centimetres in length, the whimbrel is smaller than the curlew. It also has shorter legs and bill, the latter being straighter than the curlew’s although it does curve near the tip, as does the curlew’s. The plumage is also similar to that of the curlew, being dark brown above and lighter below. There is a white V-shaped patch on the lower back that is clearly seen when in flight. This patch distinguishes whimbrels seen in Europe from their American cousins, on which the patch is dark.
The head markings are distinctive, with two broad dark bands on the crown, separated by a paler stripe. There is also a darker line through the eye.
Behaviour
The whimbrel is sometimes known as the “seven whistler” because of its distinctive seven-note rippling call. During the breeding season it has a bubbling call that is confusingly like that of the curlew.
Migrating whimbrels can usually be seen in coastal locations, such as estuaries and salt marshes. They are likely to be in small groups, feeding either from the surface or probing into the mud like curlews. Food includes periwinkles, crabs and shrimps. Sometimes they venture inland where they will feed on worms, slugs, spiders and insects.
Breeding
The only area of the British Isles where whimbrels breed regularly is north-east Scotland and the northern isles, although the Shetlands are where the greatest concentration of breeding whimbrels is to be found. Whimbrels are often seen breeding alongside arctic skuas, taking advantage of the latter’s habit of chasing away gulls and other predators.
The whimbrel nests on the ground in the open, the nest being a scrape lined with vegetation. The clutch of four eggs is incubated by both parents for around 27 days. The young are fed by the parent birds as well being able to fend for themselves. They fledge at around 35 days, after which they are fully independent.
The migration of whimbrels from their northern breeding grounds begins in July and ends in late September, by which time some of them will have reached South Africa (most European birds winter in West Africa). It is therefore during these months that the birds are likely to be seen around British coasts. The r
The whimbrel is a protected species in the British Isles, with breeding numbers increasing slowly in recent years.
© John Welford
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