Hudsonian Whimbrel (Numenius hudsonicus)

OTHER NAMES: Hudsonian Curlew
Latin Etymology: Numenius (bird mentioned by Hesychius) hudsonicus (of the Hudson)

Adult Hudsonian Whimbrel (Numenius hudsonicus) at Berkeley, California - August 2022

Featured Subspecies: Unknown
Weight: 270-493g  /  Length: 37-47cm  /  Wingspan: 75-90cm
NO UK STATUS/ Red List: Not Yet Evaluated 

A recent split from the closely related Eurasian Whimbrel due to genetic and plumage differences, like most US waders they are tundra breeders which migrate South during the Winter, although in this instance their wintering range extends right down to the southern tip of Patagonia in South America. It is not recognised by all authorities, but is by ones including IOC and BOU.

Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Genus: Numenius
SUBSPECIES: N. h. rufiventris, N. h. hudsonicus

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES 
Breeds in Alaska and Winters coastally in the Lower 48.
 - CALIFORNIA 2022 TRIP: Seen at Berkeley and Half Moon Bay

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus*, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Eurasian Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)

OTHER NAMES: Whimbrel, May Curlew, May Whaap, May Fowl, Half Curlew

Latin Etymology: Numenius (bird mentioned by Hesychius) phaeopus ("brown foot")

Adult Whimbrel (subspecies N. p. phaeopus) at Trevose Head, Cornwall - May 2012

Featured Subspecies: Numenius phaeopus phaeopus
Weight: 270-493g  /  Length: 37-47cm  /  Wingspan: 75-90cm
UK RED LIST / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Whimbrel visually looks very much like a smaller curlew with the differences not necessarily being obvious to the casual observer at quick glance but most notably the different calls (whimbrels being a 7-note piping sound) and the shorter and more sharply curving beak. The whimbrel is much rarer than the curlew however which has a population in the region of 200 times the size. The whimbrel mainly breeds in Northern Scotland but, fortunately for me, can be seen on passage in other parts of the UK - in this case, Rainham, Trevose Head and Crayford Marshes along the Thames.  

Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Genus: Numenius
Subspecies: N. p. phaeopus, N. p. alboaxillaris, N. p. variegatus

- Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - Rare breeding species (400-500 pairs) and rare Wintering species (around 30 birds)

 - Seen on passage at Trevose Head, Rainham Marshes and Crayford Marshes.
SINGAPORE - A passage migrant and winter visitor

 - CAMBODIA/SINGAPORE 2019 TRIP: Common at Sungei Buloh

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto .