Whimbrel vs Slender-billed Curlew

The Whimbrel and Slender-billed Curlew are similar in appearance, but the Slender-billed Curlew is paler and lacks the Whimbrel's distinctive dark crown-stripe. The Slender-billed Curlew is critically endangered and extremely rare, making sightings very unlikely.

1. Look for the dark crown-stripe on the Whimbrel, which the Slender-billed Curlew lacks. 2. Note the paler overall appearance of the Slender-billed Curlew. 3. Check for the rounded or heart-shaped dark markings on the breast and flanks of the Slender-billed Curlew. 4. Consider the rarity of the Slender-billed Curlew; a sighting is extremely unlikely.

Both species are similar in size, with the Slender-billed Curlew measuring 36–41 cm in length and having a wingspan of 80–92 cm.

The Whimbrel has a distinctive dark crown-stripe, which the Slender-billed Curlew lacks. The Slender-billed Curlew is generally paler with a white or pale buff ground color on the head and breast, and it features rounded or heart-shaped dark markings on the breast and flanks.

Both species feed by probing in soft mud or soil, but the Slender-billed Curlew has been observed taking insects from scrubby bushes.

The Slender-billed Curlew's habitat preferences are not well-documented due to its rarity, but it has been observed in wintering grounds in Morocco. Whimbrels are more widespread and can be found in coastal and wetland areas.

The Slender-billed Curlew's call is similar to the Whimbrel's 'cour-lee' but is higher-pitched, shorter, and more repeated, sometimes followed by a laughing trill of 'ti-ti-ti' notes.