Birds Around Me

The Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) is a medium‑sized wading bird belonging to the curlew family, Scolopacidae. It is often mistaken for its close relative, the Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), known in Hindi as गोर, गौंग, बड़ा गुलिंदा, or कुकरि जलरंक. While both species share a similar long, down‑curved bill and mottled brown plumage, the Eurasian Curlew is noticeably larger, with a longer beak and bulkier frame.   Wimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) छोटा गोंघर, गुलिंदा Iceland, July 2025 The Whimbrel, however, has distinctive features that set it apart. If observed closely, its head is darker, marked by two bold, pale streaks running lengthwise—a reliable field mark that helps birdwatchers distinguish it from the curlew. Its bill, though shorter on average, can sometimes appear long enough to cause confusion.   Wimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) छोटा गोंघर, गुलिंदा Iceland, July 2025 In the United Kingdom, the Eurasian Curlew is far more common, being a resident species that bree...