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Large, brown shorebird with long, decurved bill.
Not listed
At a glance
FamilySandpipers and Allies
SizeMedium
RarityRare
HabitatMudflats, saltmarsh, estuaries, beaches, lagoons, and shallow inland wetlands.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from November.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by David Darrell-Lambert
Range map
Range map
2visible hotspots
118visible records
2states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Note bold head stripes. Occurs on mudflats, beaches, and coastal marshes. Extensive range in the Western Hemisphere, breeding on the Arctic tundra and wintering on coastlines as far south as Tierra del Fuego. Generally uncommon to rare inland. Formerly considered the same species as Eurasian Whimbrel, which has a contrasting white rump and lower back as opposed to the uniform brown coloration of Hudsonian Whimbrel. Similar to Bristle-thighed Curlew, which overlaps locally in Alaska; Hudsonian Whimbrel is colder brown and lacks the bright buffy rump of Bristle-thighed. Also compare with the larger Long-billed Curlew; note the bolder head stripes, shorter bill, and colder brown coloration of Hudsonian Whimbrel.
Behavior
Often in flocks, sometimes mixed with other large shorebirds like Willet or godwits. Listen for call, a series of short, shrill whistles.
Gallery