Whimbrel

Whimbrel - A Large Sandpiper

Whimbrel

The Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) is a large interesting shorebird. This species is a member of the Scolopacidae family which it shares with many other sandpiper species.  The Numenius genus is shared also by the Long-billed Curlew and in times past, by the Eskimo Curlew.  The Eskimo Curlew was a common fall migrant here before its demise and extinction in the late 1800s.    

The Whimbrel is listed as casual in spring and an uncommon migrant in the fall.  Its numbers are still low after  blatant population destruction due to severe over-hunting in the 1800s.  It is most often seen on coastal bogs, barrens and beaches in mid-to-late summer.  Sometimes flocks are seen on the heath of Miscou Island.  I have seen as many as 20 individuals there feeding on heath and on the lawns of residences at Wilson's Point.  The photos used in this post were taken of an individual seen at Saints' Rest Marsh in Saint John on August 23, 2019.

The Whimbrel is a large sandpiper (45 cm/ 17.5 inches long).  Its gray legs appear short and its long decurved bill is its defining field mark.  It is brown striped over most of its body with a medial beige stripe on its dark crown.  It probes for food in the mud with its long beak and it also picks berries off heath plants.  Its voice is distinctive and melodic.  The display song is a long rising whistle followed by a series of rapid trills.  The flight call is a rapid, loud quiquiquiqui all in the same pitch.  It is enjoyable to hear these birds vocalize.  

Whimbrels breed in the Arctic where they nest on open tundra.  In North America their nesting grounds are in Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories and around the western shores of Hudson Bay.  They also breed in Greenland.  They winter in the southern coast of North America, California south through Mexico, the West Indies and South America.  They also breed in Europe in Iceland, Scandinavia and western Russia.  Those birds migrate to West Africa during the winter.

Whimbrel

Whimbrels are known to have a broad diet.  They feed on marine invertebrates, marine worms, molluscs, fish and berries.  They walk along as they feed, probing deeply into the mud.  That bill is certainly an instrument and is well used.  

Whimbrel

Whimbrels are one of the most widespread curlews.  They are known for being very defensive about their nests, attacking humans if they come too close.  That must help with their survival.  They are incredible fliers.  Some birds fly nonstop a distance of 2500 miles from southern Canada or New England to South America.  Just think of that, nonstop with no food or water and not landing to rest!  It is so important that they have good feeding areas here so they can build up their body fat stores so they have enough energy to make it all the way across that long stretch of ocean!

Whimbrel

The photo above shows the medial crown stripe.  That and the long decurved bill make a positive identification for this species.  

A number of years ago an European Whimbrel was seen and photographed near Fredericton.  This was a rare visitor here.  The European race has a white underwing, tail and lower back and coarser dark markings on the breast.  The race we normally see here has a dark rump and dark underwings.