Hudsonian Whimbrel
NameHudsonian Whimbrel
Common NameHudsonian Whimbrel
Scientific NameNumenius phaeopus hudsonicus
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)75
Length (cm)43
Weight (g)450
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are mottled brown and buff, with a streaky appearance. Underparts are whitish with brown streaking on the breast and flanks. The head features a distinctive pattern of a dark central crown stripe flanked by pale supercilia and dark eye-stripes.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, rapid series of whistled notes, often described as 'pip-pip-pip-pip-pip' or 'titter-titter-titter'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatstundra, coastal, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the Arctic tundra of North America (Alaska and Canada). Migrates along both Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America, wintering from the southern United States to South America.
Identifying FeaturesLong, decurved bill, Striped crown pattern (dark central stripe, pale supercilium, dark eye-stripe), Large size for a shorebird, Streaky brown and buff plumage
Description
The Hudsonian Whimbrel is a large, streaky brown shorebird known for its long, distinctly decurved bill. It forages by probing in mud or sand for invertebrates, often seen along coastlines during migration or on Arctic tundra during breeding.
