How do members of the Family *Scolopacidae*, including the Whimbrel, typically forage?
Answer
They probe mudflats and sand with their specialized bills to extract marine invertebrates
The placement of the Whimbrel within the Family *Scolopacidae* (sandpipers and allies) signifies that they share a common ecological niche centered around soft substrates. Their specialized, long, curved bills are perfectly adapted for the function of probing into mud and sand in tidal zones. This action allows them to extract subterranean marine invertebrates, such as small crabs, a feeding behavior common to many members of this family that inhabit these coastal environments. While they supplement their diet with insects and berries during the breeding season, their primary specialized foraging technique involves probing for buried prey.
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