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8

Whimbrel

(Numenius phaeopus)
Size: 39-44 cm
Weight: 270-490 g

Similar species

Taxonomy, classification

See Whimbrel at Wikipedia .

Sightings

A Whimbrel was seen by us on the campus of Sultan Qaboos University in August-September 2009. It stayed near a pond where it foraged along the banks, but also in the nearby arboretum.

Whimbrels have also been observed by us in Australia.

Photos

Additional information

Whimbrels have also been photographed by us in Australia.

Lateral view of a Whimbrel making the rounds of a pond

This Whimbrel was often seen by us wading just inside the water

Whimbrel venturing a bit deeper into a pond

View of a Whimbrel from behind

Food

Although normally specialised on molluscs and crustaceans, Whimbrels have been seen by us to also take fruit (see photos below).

Sometimes a Whimbrel going further "inland" can win a prize

This Whimbrel obviously liked the taste of dates

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