Key information
The whimbrel is a large wading bird. It has longish legs and a long bill which curves near the tip. It is brownish above and whitish below. In flight, it shows a white 'V' shape up its back from its tail.
In the UK, this species only breeds in north Scotland. It is a passage migrant to other areas in spring and autumn on its way from and to its wintering areas in Africa. The Shetland and Orkney breeding population has been slowly increasing.
It is a Schedule 1 species of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
What they eat:
On breeding grounds insects, snails and slugs; on passage, crabs, shrimps, molluscs, worms.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 40-46cm
- Wingspan:
- 71-81cm
- Weight:
- 270-450g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 400-500 pairs
- UK wintering:
- 30 birds
Identifying features:
Whimbrel
