A Whimbrel in Alvor.

After seeing a Whimbrel on the shore one day in Alvor, we went back on the following day, and saw it again further down the coast, and I managed to get some closer shots. It was low tide, and this more remote  part of the coast must have been a favourite place to forage, as we saw the Whimbrel again on three different occasions. 

THE WHIMBREL   NUMENIUS  MINUTUS.
 

This large wader, is very like a Curlew, but smaller, and darker, with a stronger head pattern, but belongs to the Curlew genus.
 

In fact,  at first glance I thought it was a Curlew, but there are several differences.
 

The Wimbrel has a dark cap, with pale central stripe, dark eyestripe, with pale band above eye.
 

The bill is blackish, and downcurved...but..
 

usually more bent, less smooth curved, than the Curlew.
 

It feeds by probing soft earth for small invertebrates, but also eats insects and berries.

 

Here you can clearly see the pale head stripe.
 

All these shots were taken on the second of December.
 

One last shot, and then he got out of range.
 

Many thanks to our gracious hosts, do click on their links to see more birds and other critters, and join in the fun if you have anything to share. WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY
SATURDAY'S CRITTERS
I'D-RATHER-B-BIRDIN