Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopus
Length 41cm

Superficially similar to curlew but appreciably smaller and with distinctive head pattern comprising two dark lateral stripes on otherwise pale crown. Presence also detected by bubbling call, usually of seven notes descending slightly in pitch from start to finish. Breeds only on N Scottish islands but there not uncommon. Present from May to August and nests on open moorland. Seen in rest of Britain and Ireland as rather scarce passage migrant in spring and autumn, almost always on coasts and favouring both rocky shores and sheltered estuaries. Winters in Africa. Song rather confusingly similar to that of curlew.