8

Whimbrel

(Numenius phaeopus)
Size: 39-44 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Whimbrels migrate from the north along the entire Australian seaboard, including Bass Strait and the east coast of Tasmania, Torres Strait and in general the sea to the north of the continent and along the Great Barrier Reef. They are found on offshore islands as well, but - apart from very few reports along the lower Murray River - nowhere inland.

Whimbrels' preferred habitats are coastal estuaries, mangrove swamps and mudflats.

Sightings

A Whimbrel was first found by us in Australia at Urunga Heads, NSW, in mangrove marshland in January 2011.

Whimbrels were previously spotted by us, and much better photos obtained, in Oman.

Photos

Frontal view of a Whimbrel

Lateral view of the same bird as above

Food

Although normally specialised on molluscs and crustaceans, Whimbrels have been seen by us to also take fruit (dates) in Oman.

These pages are largely based on our own observations. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.