Which classification status do some authorities still apply to the Eurasian and American Whimbrels?
Answer
As conspecific, or subspecies complexes within *N. phaeopus* sensu lato
Despite the growing acceptance of recognizing two distinct species (*N. phaeopus* and *N. hudsonicus*), the scientific classification process is ongoing and not universally settled across all organizations. Some ornithological authorities and older literature maintain the historical view, treating the New World and Old World populations as conspecific—meaning they belong to the same species. Alternatively, they may be grouped as subspecies complexes within the broader designation of *N. phaeopus sensu lato* (in the broader sense), indicating that the full separation into two distinct binomial names has not been adopted by every regional checklist or governing body.
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