Whimbrel
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Large wader bird (about 42 cm or 16.5 in) with a brown plumage in general, very striped and barred, especially on the back. Lighter underparts. Two dark lateral lines in the crown that accentuate a more prominent eyebrow. Long, downcurved, dark bill. Long, grayish blue legs. In flight, its light coloured rump contrasts with the rest of the body. Striped tail.
Where it lives
Wetlands near the coast, wet meadows, rocky coastlines and sandy beaches.
How it lives
Wintering species in the province that can also be watched in migratory passage. The Whimbrel breeds in northern Europe, in taiga areas near the coast. Nest on the ground. One laying of 3 to 4 eggs in mid-May. It feeds on crustaceans, molluscs and insects that it captures on shores and coastal rock fields.
Where it can be seen in Malaga
It can be observed in the mouth of the Guadalhorce and Vélez rivers as well as in the areas of Calaburras and Calahonda. Also on the beaches of Marbella to Estepona.
Curious facts
The Whimbrel's common name in Spanish is "zarapito trinador" and there are three theories about the origin of "zarapito": relationship with the curvature of the bill, relationship with the typical pitching that the species shows, or the name in Greek with which this bird was known. What is clear is the reason for "trinador" ("triller"). It is a "trinador" because it emits a cry similar to a trill that allows you to locate it before you see it.