Context:
For the first time, a long-distance migratory bird, the Eurasian or common whimbrel, tagged with a Global Positioning System (GPS) transmitter, was captured on camera in the state of Chhattisgarh.
Relevance:
GS III: Species in News
About the Eurasian Whimbrel
- Type: Wading bird
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Scientific Name: Numenius phaeopus
Distribution:
- The Eurasian Whimbrel has a widespread range covering five continents: North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
- Breeding Grounds: Subarctic regions of Siberia and Alaska during summer.
- Wintering Grounds: Migrates south to southern USA, Central America, South America, Africa, and South Asia, including Nepal.
Habitat:
- Winters primarily along coastlines, coastal wetlands, mangroves, marshes, and larger rivers.
Physical Features:
- Size: Fairly large greyish-brown bird.
- Bill: Long, decurved bill with a kink.
- Head Pattern: Distinct with dark eye-stripes and crown-sides.
- Plumage: Mottled dark brown above, pale below, with significant brown streaking on the throat and breast.
Behavior:
- Generally solitary during nesting but tends to be gregarious outside the breeding season.
- Known for a high-pitched call that consists of a repetitive series of seven notes.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
-Source: The Hindu
