General Description: Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) are large shorebirds with long legs and a long, decurved bill. They are mottled brown overall, except they have a bit of red cap, a white eyebrow line, and a dark eyeline. The red cap is split by a light crown stripe.

Taxonomy: Charadriiformes, Scolopacidae, Scolopacinae.

Favored Habitat: Mud flats and salt marshes.

Where to Find: Don't look for Whimbrels around Las Vegas. Rather, look for them on the coast during winter. However, it is always worth keeping an eye out for this species during migration at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, the Pahranagat Valley, and the Overton Wildlife Management Area.

Comments: Breeds in the high arctic; winters along coasts as far south as southern tip of South America.