Curlew or Whimbrel Please

britnik · #1 (**permalink**) 20-12-2011, 09:19 PM

My uncle took this recently on the Christchurch area.
Can someone positively ID Curlew or Whimbrel please.

The RSPB distribution maps would lean towards the former.

Ukwildlifeo · #2 (**permalink**) 20-12-2011, 09:34 PM

When was it taken? If it was recently most likely a curlew. Looking at that image the beak looks a little short, though Im fairly sure thats the angle and it looks like white line over the eye which would suggest a whimbrel, but Im fairly sure its just the strong sunlight and the darker feathers on the top of the head.

In conclusion I'd say Curlew but I'm sure someone else will pop along to confirm/correct me!

Shrike · #3 (**permalink**) 20-12-2011, 09:39 PM

You'd be right with curlew , whimbrel's are enjoying sunnier climes now.

aeshna5 · #4 (**permalink**) 21-12-2011, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shrike

You'd be right with curlew , whimbrel's are enjoying sunnier climes now.

I agree the bird is a Curlew + also that most Whimbrel are well to the south now, but the occasional Whimbrel does overwinter, though admit it's not common.