Whimbrel
Scientific name: Numenius phaeopus
Family scolopacidae
- Phenology Mainland
- Wintering and passage migrant
- Phenology Madeira
- Wintering and passage migrant
- Phenology Azores
- Wintering and passage migrant
- IUCN Global Status
- Mainland Conservation Status
- Madeira Conservation Status
- Azores Conservation Status
Data
Maps
Arenaria | Winter
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Presentation
Distribution, movements and phenology
The Whimbrel breeds discontinuously between May and August in Alaska, northern Canada, southern Iceland, northern Scotland, Greenland, and eastern Scandinavia to north-eastern Russia, including some isolated populations in northern Kazakhstan (Billerman et al. 2026). Most of the birds found in Portugal originate from European populations, with most wintering in West Africa (Catry et al. 2010a). It is most frequently observed during migratory passages, although it can be seen throughout the year. The Whimbrel occurs mainly in the coastal areas of Mainland Portugal and large wetlands (the Tagus and Sado estuaries, Ria Formosa and Ria de Aveiro), with a wider distribution in the southern half of the country (Equipa Atlas 2018). In the Azores and Madeira, the species occurs on practically all the islands, both during winter and during migration.
Abundance and population trends
The global population has been estimated at between 1,800,000 and 2,650,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2025), with a declining trend (BirdLife International 2025). In Mainland Portugal, the wintering population on the non-estuarine coast has been estimated at 88 to 92 individuals, comprising more than a third of the total population wintering in the region (Lecoq et al. 2013). Despite the limited information on the trend of this population, the number using the coastal strip appears to have increased in recent years, reflecting the Good Environmental Status achieved for the abundance indicator. In the Azores and Madeira, however, the population size is considerably smaller, both in winter and during migration (Equipa Atlas 2018). These populations show a negative trend and have not achieved Good Environmental Status.
Ecology and habitat
The Whimbrel occurs mainly in large coastal wetlands and on rocky shores along the Mainland coast of Portugal (Equipa Atlas 2018). In the Azores and Madeira, it prefers rocky coastal areas, whilst also utilising beaches, grasslands and artificial areas such as harbours and marinas. It feeds on invertebrates, particularly small crabs (Billerman et al. 2026), and may also feed on bivalves (Lourenço 2019).
Threats and conservation
Globally, the only identified threats to the species are climate change and extreme weather events; in Portugal, no significant threats have been identified.
Autor
Nuno Oliveira
Wetlands International (2025). Waterbird Population Estimates. Downloaded from http://wpe.wetlands.org on 30.11.2025. Bibliografia:
Lourenço PM (2019). Internet photography forums as sources of avian dietary data: bird diets in Continental Portugal. Airo 26:3-26. Bibliografia:
Lecoq M, Lourenço PM, Catry P, Andrade J & Granadeiro JP (2013). Wintering waders on the Portuguese mainland non-estuarine coast: results of the 2009-2011 survey. Wader Study Group Bulletin 120: 66-70. Bibliografia:
Equipa Atlas (2018). Atlas das Aves Invernantes e Migradoras de Portugal 2011-2013. Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves, LabOr- Laboratório de Ornitologia – ICAAM - Universidade de Évora, Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza (Madeira), Secretaria Regional da Energia, Ambiente e Turismo (Açores) e Associação Portuguesa de Anilhadores de Aves. Lisboa. Bibliografia:
BirdLife International (2025). IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org on 30.11.2025. Bibliografia:
Billerman SM, Keeney BL, Kirwan GM, Medrano F, Sly ND & Smith MG (eds.) (2026). Birds of the World. Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. Bibliografia:
Catry P, Costa H, Elias G & Matias R (2010a). Aves de Portugal, Ornitologia do Território Continental. Assírio e Alvim, Lisboa Glossário:
Molluscs with two shells, such as clams and cockles, common in intertidal environments. Glossário:
Persistent changes in global or regional climate patterns, influenced by natural and anthropogenic factors. Glossário:
A species or parameter that reflects the state of an ecosystem or environmental changes. Glossário:
The direction of change in the size of a population over time (increase, decline or stability). Glossário:
A concept defined under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), referring to the condition of the elements of the marine environment, including birds. It aims to assess whether ecosystems are healthy, balanced and capable of supporting ecological functions and human uses in a sustainable manner. The ultimate goal is for the components and ecosystems to achieve Good Environmental Status.
