What specific facial pattern helps dedicated birders distinguish the adult Whimbrel from relatives like the Long-billed Curlew?
Answer
A dark crown bisected by a pale stripe, accompanied by a dark eye line and light eyebrow stripe
Field identification relies heavily on the intricate head pattern of the adult Whimbrel. This pattern involves a distinct dark crown area that is split down the middle by a noticeable pale stripe running longitudinally along the head's center. This central feature is complemented by a dark line passing through the eye, which stands out clearly against an adjacent light eyebrow stripe. This combination of markings provides critical visual cues that allow experienced observers to differentiate the Whimbrel from similar species, such as the larger Long-billed Curlew, which lacks this exact configuration.
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