- Numenius phaeopus
Description
Length 37-45 cm (incl. bill 6-9), wingspan 78-88 cm. The body of this bird is patterned in brownish to brownish-grey colors, especially on the underside over a lighter basis. The bill is bent down about 1/3 from the tip. On the side of the head is a dark stripe through the eye, a light supercilium, a dark stripe above that one, and a light central stripe. The three crown stripes are the most conspicous of these if the crown can be seen well.
Three main forms are recognized: the European forms have a light colored tail and a white rump that continues up the back, but is only visible in flight. Siberian forms have darker tail and lower rump, but still show the white are on the back. American forms have the tail, rump and back of a similar color to the wings.
Identification
The bill is shorter and less evenly curved than in the Eurasian Curlew. The pattern of stripes on the head and especially in the crown is diagnostic at least in the majority of the range. Bill is significantly shorter than in the Long-billed Curlew.
Distribution & Taxonomy
This is a species with a circumpolar distribution, breeding in northern areas of the Western Palearctic (including the Shetland and Faroe Islands), Asia, and the Americas. European forms are of subspecies phaeopus, Siberian forms are of subspecies alboaxillaris and variegatus, and American forms are of the subspecies hudsonicus. The latter is sometimes called Hudsonian Whimbrel or even Hudsonian Curlew to separate it from the other subspecies.
These birds are all long distance migrants, for example the European populations winters on African coasts, rarely in Europe.
Habitat
Breeds on taiga bogs, on mountainsides above tree-limit (e.g. cranberry scrub), and tundra, often with mossy areas. On passage frequents mainly pasture and coasts including tidal mud flats.
Behaviour
On passage (mostly late Apr-May and Jul-Aug) seen singly or in small parties.
The American subspecies often feeds on small crustaceans, minnows, earthworms, aquatic insets and larvae; also seeds and berries.
Bird Song
<flashmp3>Numenius phaeopus (song).mp3</flashmp3>
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