Which subspecies of Eurasian Whimbrel is recognized as being paler and found in eastern Asia?
Answer
N. p. variegatus
The Eurasian Whimbrel (*Numenius phaeopus*) itself is recognized as a complex of subspecies, illustrating ongoing micro-evolutionary processes shaped by localized environments across its expansive range. Among these recognized subspecies, *N. p. phaeopus* is generally described as being darker in appearance. In contrast, the subspecies identified as *N. p. variegatus* is specifically noted for its paler plumage and is typically found in eastern Asia. This internal variation within the Eurasian group highlights how different local environments exert differing selective pressures on populations across a massive migratory and breeding range.
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