Eurasian Whimbrel

Overview

Eurasian Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) is a species of Sandpipers, Snipes (Scolopacidae) in the order Shorebirds, Gulls and Alcids. A wader with a long down-curved bill and a striped crown; probes mud for crabs and worms; migrates long distances between Arctic breeding grounds and tropical coasts.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Numenius; binomial: Numenius phaeopus; authority: (Linnaeus, 1758). Typical size: 40-46cm. Average lifespan: 10-15 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Palearctic. Non-breeding range: widespread on temperate to tropical Palearctic coasts: s British Isles, Madeira to Cape Verde (Macaronesia, nw of n Africa), w Mediterranean, Africa, Indian Ocean and associated gulfs, bays and islands, Australasia to North and n South is. (New Zealand) and Melanesia, n to Ryukyu Is. (=Nansei Shoto, s Japan) and e to Micronesia; rare farther e in Polynesia.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Change (10.1) of English to Eurasian Whimbrel follows split of Hudsonian Whimbrel.