What primary food sources make up the diet of Whimbrels found in mud and sand substrates?
Answer
Invertebrates including small crabs, various marine worms, and small mollusks
The Whimbrel's diet is highly specialized, directly reflecting its foraging technique of probing deep into substrates. Their sustenance is primarily composed of invertebrates that reside beneath the sand and mud layers of coastal habitats. Key components of this diet include small crabs, a variety of marine worms, and small mollusks. While their main intake comes from these marine sources, they may also consume terrestrial or brackish insects and crustaceans when available in those environments. This focus on subsurface invertebrates ensures they tap into nutrient-dense, concentrated food supplies in rich intertidal zones.
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