Distribution Map
Whimbrel Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopus
NativeStatus
CommonRarity
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Species Description
The Whimbrel is a large migratory shorebird renowned for its epic journeys between the Arctic tundra and Australia’s coastlines. Every year, thousands of Whimbrels arrive in Australia after travelling thousands of kilometres along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. During the non-breeding season they are sighted on Australia’s northern and eastern coasts.
Fun Facts
Whimbrels can fly thousands of kilometres non-stop during migration, sometimes crossing entire oceans.
1. Long, down-curved bill with a pinkish base
2. Bold head stripes: dark crown with pale central stripe and eyebrow
3. Uniform brown rump and streaked tail in flight
Whimbrels breed in the Arctic from May to August, mainly in northeastern Siberia for the population visiting Australia. They appear in Australia during their non breeding season, between August-October and depart by late April. Nests are shallow scrapes on the ground, often hidden among grass or tundra vegetation. Females typically lay four eggs, and both parents share incubation duties. Their diet consists mainly of crabs, marine worms, molluscs, and occasionally fish, which they catch by probing with their long bills.
Whimbrels are found along Australia’s mudflats, tidal estuaries, sandy beaches, and mangrove-lined shores, especially in the north and east. They are most common in tropical and subtropical regions but can be seen as far south as Tasmania in smaller numbers. Look for them probing in mud or sand for food, often in small groups or alongside other shorebirds
Physical Attributes
Height
43 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds82%
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