Common whimbrel

Introduction: Common whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) are migrant birds to Namibia that inhabit the entire northern Namibian coastal region, especially extensive mud and sandflats environments.

Distribution: From Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, north along the Skeleton Coast as far as the Kunene River estuary. Also Luderitz and Etosha National Park.

Diet: Crabs, mudprawns and small fish trapped in pools of water at low tide.

Description: Medium wader with long, decurved bills, long legs and crescent-shaped bills or Numenius in Greek meaning 'new moon'.

Breeding: Breeding grounds are probably in Russia and Siberia.

Size: 30cm.

Weight: 145g.