What specific advantage does the Whimbrel's specialized bill length give it compared to shorter-billed sandpipers?

Answer

Access to food sources unavailable to smaller species due to depth

The greater length of the bill allows the Whimbrel to probe deeper into the substrate, accessing food sources that are out of reach for species with shorter bills.

What specific advantage does the Whimbrel's specialized bill length give it compared to shorter-billed sandpipers?
foodbehaviorbirdwhimbrelforaging