Whimbrel at The Lizard in Cornwall - Courlis courlieu
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Whimbrel at The Lizard in Cornwall - Courlis courlieu
The whimbrel is a large wading bird. It has longish legs and a long bill that curves near the tip. It is brownish above and whitish below. In flight, it shows a white 'V' shape up its back from its tail. In the UK, this species only breeds in north Scotland. It is a passage migrant to other areas in spring and autumn on its way from and to its wintering areas in South Africa. The Shetland and Orkney breeding population has been slowly increasing.
WHERE TO SEE THEM
You could see breeding birds on a visit to Shetland or Orkney in summer. Otherwise, passage migrants can be seen on the coast and sometimes inland in suitable habitat, when hearing its distinctive call can be the best clue to its presence.
WHEN TO SEE THEM
Mid-April to August
WHAT THEY EAT
On breeding grounds insects, snails and slugs; on passage, crabs, shrimps, molluscs, worms.
Filmed in May 2010 at The Lizard
Video Produced by Paul Dinning - Wildlife in Cornwall
http://www.wildlifeincornwall.com/