Whimbrels - Family Overview

The Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) is a medium-sized wading bird belonging to the sandpiper family Scolopacidae, closely related to curlews and godwits.

It is easily recognised by its long, gently downcurved bill and distinctive head pattern, marked by a dark crown stripe bordered by pale stripes. Whimbrels forage by probing mud and sand for invertebrates along shorelines and wetland edges.

Whimbrels are long-distance migrants, breeding in northern regions and moving south to wintering areas across coastal and inland wetlands.

In India, the Whimbrel is mainly encountered during the winter months, particularly along coastal mudflats, estuaries, tidal creeks, and large wetlands.