Species BirdsWhimbrel

Whimbrel

Numenius phaeopus

UncommonBird
Illustration of Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)

The Whimbrel is a large curlew with a strongly striped head and a boldly curved bill, making it one of the most recognizable shorebirds in flight. It makes extraordinary long-distance migrations, sometimes flying nonstop from Alaska to South America. During migration it relies heavily on ripe berries on the tundra to fuel its flights.

Habitat
Arctic tundra in summer; coastal mudflats and beaches in migration
Diet
Fiddler crabs, marine invertebrates, and berries
How common
Uncommon

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