Hudsonian Whimbrel
Numenius hudsonicus
The Hudsonian Whimbrel (Numenius hudsonicus) is a rare sandpiper found in 22 countries. The Hudsonian whimbrel or Hudsonian curlew is a wader in the large family Scolopacidae.
About the Hudsonian Whimbrel
The Hudsonian whimbrel or Hudsonian curlew is a wader in the large family Scolopacidae. It is one of the most widespread of the curlews, breeding across much of subarctic North America.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
This is a fairly large wader, though mid-sized as a member of the curlew genus. The English name is imitative of the bird's call. The genus name Numenius is from Ancient Greek noumenios, a bird mentioned by Hesychius. It is associated with the curlews because it appears to be derived from neos, "new" and mene, "moon", referring to the crescent-shaped bill. It is 37–47 cm (15–19 in) in length, 75–90 cm (30–35 in) in wingspan, and 270–493 g (9.5–17.4 oz; 0.595–1.087 lb) in weight.
What the Hudsonian Whimbrel sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada, Colombia, Argentina, Norway, Guadeloupe, Martinique.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in April. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Hudsonian Whimbrel?
- This is a fairly large wader, though mid-sized as a member of the curlew genus. Full identification notes are on this page.
- Where can you see a Hudsonian Whimbrel?
- The Hudsonian Whimbrel occurs in 22 countries, including the United States, Chile, Portugal, Mexico and Costa Rica.
- What does a Hudsonian Whimbrel sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the Hudsonian Whimbrel on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Hudsonian Whimbrel?
- The Hudsonian Whimbrel is most easily confused with the Bristle-thighed Curlew, the Little Curlew and the Far Eastern Curlew.
Learn the Hudsonian Whimbrel for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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