Whimbrel

Among our largest, regularly seen shorebirds, Whimbrel is found on tidal mudflats, along rocky coastal beaches, and in estuaries. Probably most easily observed in Sonoma County at Bodega Bay. Whimbrel becomes relatively scarce in the county in early summer. Present from around mid-July to mid-May of the following year with numbers greatest during spring and autumn migration (April-May, and August-September). Least common in June. Often solitary, but sometimes in small groups that will fly together in lines. Not uncommonly mixed in with other large shorebirds such as Willet (Tringa semipalmata) and Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa).

Distinguished by its large size, long, decurved bill, boldly striped head pattern, and bluish-grey legs. Not likely to be confused with any other bird, except perhaps the related Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus), which is larger, more warmly colored (buff or almost cinnamon below and under the wings where Whimbrel is more grey), with an even longer (almost ludicrously long) bill. Whimbrel is not especially common in Sonoma County, but it’s seen here more often than Long-billed Curlew. Marbled Godwit, another vaguely similar (and much more common) bird, is about the same size as Whimbrel, but has a very clearly two-toned bill (Whimbrel may show some reddishness at the base of the bill, but never the distinct red and brown of the Godwit’s bill), which curves up slightly, rather than down. Like Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit generally will appear warmer in tone than Whimbrel, especially when seen in flight with the underwings visible.

Whimbrel can be deceptive. Beginners often find Whimbrel confusing because it can appear to have very different shapes--an illusion. The birds in the pair of comparison photographs below, for example, present rather different appearances. In the photo on the left, the entirety of the legs are visible and the neck is fully outstretched, giving the bird a rather long, fairly elegant look. More often Whimbrel is seen standing in water or sitting (with its legs obscured) and with its neck pulled in, more like the bird in the photo on the right. Sometimes Whimbrel looks even rounder and shorter-necked--like a football with a head pinned on. The coloration (striping) on the head and the long, downwardly-curved bill should always be apparent, however.

Trivia: According to Fix and Bezener, the Latin name Numenious derives from words meaning “new” and “moon.” The curved bill of the Whimbrel and its relatives was thought to evoke a crescent moon.