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'''Includes Hudsonian Whimbrel''' | '''Includes Hudsonian Whimbrel''' | ||
| + | [[Image:Whimbrel.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by {{user|Romy+Ocon|Romy Ocon}}<br />La Union Province, Luzon Island, [[Philippines]], September 2004]] | ||
;[[:Category:Numenius|Numenius]] phaeopus | ;[[:Category:Numenius|Numenius]] phaeopus | ||
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==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
Length 37-45 cm (incl. bill 6-9), wingspan 78-88 cm<br /> | Length 37-45 cm (incl. bill 6-9), wingspan 78-88 cm<br /> | ||
The body of this bird is patterned in brownish to brownish-grey colours, especially on the underside over a lighter basis. The bill is bent down about 1/3 from the tip. On the side of the head is a dark stripe through the eye, a light supercilium, a dark stripe above that one, and a light central stripe. The three crown stripes are the most conspicous of these if the crown can be seen well. | The body of this bird is patterned in brownish to brownish-grey colours, especially on the underside over a lighter basis. The bill is bent down about 1/3 from the tip. On the side of the head is a dark stripe through the eye, a light supercilium, a dark stripe above that one, and a light central stripe. The three crown stripes are the most conspicous of these if the crown can be seen well. | ||
| − | + | [[Image:IMG 9184-american-whimbrel.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Hudsonian Whimbrel<br />Photo by {{user|michha62|michha62}}<br />Santa Clara, [[Panama]], December 2009]] | |
Three main forms are recognized: the [[Europe|Europe]]an forms have a light coloured tail and a white rump that continues up the back, but is only visible in flight. Siberian forms have darker tail and lower rump, but still show the white area on the back. [[America]]n forms have the tail, rump and back of a similar colour to the wings. | Three main forms are recognized: the [[Europe|Europe]]an forms have a light coloured tail and a white rump that continues up the back, but is only visible in flight. Siberian forms have darker tail and lower rump, but still show the white area on the back. [[America]]n forms have the tail, rump and back of a similar colour to the wings. | ||
===Similar Species=== | ===Similar Species=== | ||
The bill is shorter and less evenly curved than in the [[Eurasian Curlew]]. The pattern of stripes on the head and especially in the crown is diagnostic at least in the majority of the range. Bill is significantly shorter than in the [[Long-billed Curlew]]. | The bill is shorter and less evenly curved than in the [[Eurasian Curlew]]. The pattern of stripes on the head and especially in the crown is diagnostic at least in the majority of the range. Bill is significantly shorter than in the [[Long-billed Curlew]]. | ||
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
| + | This is a species with a circumpolar distribution, breeding in northern areas of the [[Western Palearctic]] (including the [[Shetland]] and [[Faroe Islands]]), [[Asia]], and the Americas. These birds are all long distance migrants, for example the European populations winters on [[Africa|African]] coasts, rarely in Europe. | ||
[[Image:IMGP0790 1 .jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo by {{user|poplynch|poplynch}}<br />Naha Okinawa, [[Japan]], December 2008 ]] | [[Image:IMGP0790 1 .jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo by {{user|poplynch|poplynch}}<br />Naha Okinawa, [[Japan]], December 2008 ]] | ||
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==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
| − | ====Subspecies<sup>[[#References|1]]</sup> | + | ====Subspecies==== |
| + | There are 4 subspecies<sup>[[#References|1]]</sup>: | ||
*''N. p. phaeopus'': | *''N. p. phaeopus'': | ||
:*Breeds north-western [[Palearctic]]; winters to [[Africa]] and [[India]] | :*Breeds north-western [[Palearctic]]; winters to [[Africa]] and [[India]] | ||
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''[[Media:Numenius phaeopus (song).mp3|Listen in an external program]]'' | ''[[Media:Numenius phaeopus (song).mp3|Listen in an external program]]'' | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| − | #{{Ref- | + | #{{Ref-Clements6thDec10}} |
{{ref}} | {{ref}} | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
Revision as of 18:26, 26 July 2011
Includes Hudsonian Whimbrel
- Numenius phaeopus
Identification
Length 37-45 cm (incl. bill 6-9), wingspan 78-88 cm
The body of this bird is patterned in brownish to brownish-grey colours, especially on the underside over a lighter basis. The bill is bent down about 1/3 from the tip. On the side of the head is a dark stripe through the eye, a light supercilium, a dark stripe above that one, and a light central stripe. The three crown stripes are the most conspicous of these if the crown can be seen well.
Three main forms are recognized: the European forms have a light coloured tail and a white rump that continues up the back, but is only visible in flight. Siberian forms have darker tail and lower rump, but still show the white area on the back. American forms have the tail, rump and back of a similar colour to the wings.
Similar Species
The bill is shorter and less evenly curved than in the Eurasian Curlew. The pattern of stripes on the head and especially in the crown is diagnostic at least in the majority of the range. Bill is significantly shorter than in the Long-billed Curlew.
Distribution
This is a species with a circumpolar distribution, breeding in northern areas of the Western Palearctic (including the Shetland and Faroe Islands), Asia, and the Americas. These birds are all long distance migrants, for example the European populations winters on African coasts, rarely in Europe.
Taxonomy
Subspecies
There are 4 subspecies1:
- N. p. phaeopus:
- Breeds north-western Palearctic; winters to Africa and India
- N. p. alboaxillaris:
- Breeds Steppes north of the Caspian Sea; winters coastal western Indian Ocean
- N. p. variegatus:
- Breeds Siberia; winters to India, Philippines, Indonesia and Australia
- N. p. hudsonicus:
- North America (Hudsonian Whimbrel)
Habitat
Breeds on taiga bogs, on mountainsides above tree-limit (e.g. cranberry scrub), and tundra, often with mossy areas. On passage frequents mainly pasture and coasts including tidal mud flats.
Behaviour
On passage (mostly late April-May and July-August) seen singly or in small parties.
On their breeding grounds, individuals will fly up from hundreds of meters away to confront perceived threats (from Common Ravens to foxes and people). They will harass the intruder with aerial chases and constant calls.
Diet
The American subspecies often feeds on small crustaceans, minnows, earthworms, aquatic insets and larvae; also seeds and berries.
Vocalisation
Calls include a long, chirruping whistle call and a softer, plaintive mewing given on the ground between members of a pair.
<flashmp3>Numenius phaeopus (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
References
- Clements, JF. 2010. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2010. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/Clements%206.5.xls/view
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Whimbrel. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 4 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Whimbrel
External Links
