What feature accentuates the Whimbrel's long, decurved bill?
Answer
Prominent dark stripes on its crown
The Whimbrel possesses a striking physical characteristic defined by its bill and head pattern. While the bill is long and downward-curving, enhancing its appearance are prominent dark stripes located on its crown. These dark stripes contrast with the rest of the head plumage, specifically separating the dark cap and serving as a highly visible hallmark feature, crucial even when observed from a distance. This combination of the decurved bill and the distinct crown striping aids significantly in field identification.
Related Questions
What feature accentuates the Whimbrel's long, decurved bill?What specific Whimbrel type do many North American birders observe?Where are the Whimbrel breeding territories typically situated?Besides coastal mudflats, what inland habitats do migrating Whimbrels frequent?Where is the majority of the Whimbrel population located for the non-breeding season?When does the fall migration often see larger concentrations of Whimbrels on the New England coast?What tidal condition maximizes Whimbrel foraging success on coastal mudflats?In Wisconsin, during which month does the Whimbrel typically appear during the spring northward push?What gives the Whimbrel's brown-gray back feathers a scaled appearance?What feature is a hallmark for identifying the Whimbrel's head pattern?What factor appears more critical than proximity to the open ocean for inland stopovers?