The Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) is a migratory species wintering on coasts in Africa, South America, south Asia into Australasia and southern North America.
It is mainly greyish brown, with a white back and rump and a long, curved bill, which is longest in the adult female, with a kink rather than a smooth curve.
This species feeds by probing soft mud for small invertebrates and by picking small crabs and similar prey off the surface. Before migration, berries become an important part of their diet. It has also been observed taking insects, specifically blue tiger butterflies.
by Kester Clarke www.kesterclarke.net)
