How are the Whimbrel's legs positioned relative to the tail during flight?
Answer
Trail out behind the body, extending slightly past the tail tip
When observing the Whimbrel in flight, the posture of the legs is a useful identifying characteristic in silhouette against the sky. The bird's legs do not retract closely; instead, they trail out behind the main body mass. Specifically, the legs extend backward and reach slightly past the tip of the tail feathers, which serves as a helpful marker when distinguishing it from other shorebirds when visual plumage details are unavailable.
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