What habitat predominantly characterizes the Whimbrel's non-breeding season locations?
Answer
Seashores, estuaries, mudflats, and sand beaches
During the non-breeding season, Whimbrels shift dramatically from their Arctic breeding sites to coastal environments across temperate and tropical zones globally. Their winter habitat overwhelmingly consists of low-tide environments such as seashores, estuaries, mudflats, and sandy beaches. This preference is directly related to their feeding strategy, as they require coastlines that feature extensive intertidal zones. These zones expose the soft substrates rich in the invertebrates that constitute the majority of their specialized diet, allowing them to efficiently refuel during their extended stay before the return migration north.
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