Numenius phaeopus
The Eurasian Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) is a medium-sized shorebird, a distinctive member of the curlew genus Numenius, celebrated for its unique call and extensive migratory patterns across the Old World. Measuring approximately 40-46 cm (16-18 inches) in length with a wingspan of 76-88 cm (30-35 inches) and weighing 270-550 grams (9.5-19.4 oz), it is noticeably smaller than its larger curlew relatives, particularly the Eurasian Curlew. Its plumage is mottled brown-grey above with a paler,...
Eurasian Whimbrels primarily inhabit open, treeless arctic and subarctic tundra, moorlands, and boggy heaths for breeding, transitioning to coastal estuaries, mudflats, sandy beaches, and rocky shores during migration and in wintering grounds. They are typically found at low elevations near water...
Their diet primarily consists of marine invertebrates such as crabs, shrimp, marine worms, and mollusks, particularly during non-breeding seasons, supplemented by a variety of insects, especially beetles and cranefly larvae, and often berries (e.g., crowberries, blueberries) on their breeding gro...
Eurasian Whimbrels are largely diurnal, though they may forage during moonlit nights in tidal areas to exploit food resources. Their foraging strategy primarily involves probing with their long, decurved bill into soft substrates like mud or sand to extract marine invertebrates, but they also use...
The Eurasian Whimbrel (*Numenius phaeopus*) breeds extensively across the arctic and subarctic tundra, peatlands, and moorlands of Northern Europe and Asia. Its breeding range stretches from northern Scandinavia and European Russia, eastward through Siberia to the Anadyr region and Kamchatka Peni...
Least Concern
- The Eurasian Whimbrel is often known as the "Seven-whistler" due to its distinctive, rapidly repeated trilling call, typically consisting of seven notes. - The species *Numenius phaeopus* has historically been considered to include populations found in North America. However, many modern taxono...