Whimbrel or juv curlew? (2 Viewers)

[Evan Atkinson]

Hi all, came across this wader with a whimbrel in La Palma, SE Murcia Spain on the 7th August. Initial impression was whimbrel based on size but I am unsure if it is a juvenile curlew? First photo is comparison with a whimbrel, and the second is flying so I am pretty stumped. Any help much appreciated.


Kind regards
Evan

 

[paddyluke]

i would say Whimbrel

 

[Butty]

It's the same size as a whimbrel and it's got a dark cap. So it's a whimbrel. Pretty dull, so I guess it's a juvenile.

 

[CARERY]

The flight shot shows the well marked underwing coverts. Would be largely white in Curlew...

 

[stevethehydra]

Juvenile Whimbrel. Worth noting that in Curlews (like nearly all birds outside of Galliformes) juveniles are adult-sized by the time they can fly.