What advantage does the Whimbrel's specialized bill give it compared to shorter-billed shorebirds?
Answer
It allows access to the sub-surface layer of prey items.
The specialized adaptation of the long bill carves out a niche by allowing the bird to target deeper worms or shellfish, rather than competing for very surface-level food items.
Related Questions
What is a prime target in the Whimbrel's coastal diet?How does the Whimbrel locate prey hidden beneath the substrate?When breeding inland in tundra or moorland, what constitutes the main focus of the Whimbrel's diet?Which substrate do Whimbrels typically prefer over exposed rocky shores for foraging?What high-energy food source do Whimbrels consume during migratory stopovers over land masses?What advantage does the Whimbrel's specialized bill give it compared to shorter-billed shorebirds?What depth can the specialized bill sometimes reach when probing for buried snacks?Besides insects, what other prey item mentioned is consumed inland when the ground condition permits?What key factor enables the Whimbrel to be successful as a long-distance migrant?If looking for a Whimbrel during its non-breeding season, where should one look based on its coastal diet?