WHIMBREL
WHI’MBREL (Numenius phœopus), a bird of the same genus with the Curlew (q. v.), and much resembling it inform, plumage, and habits, but of smaller size, and with a bill considerably shorter in proportion. The female, which is larger than the male, is about eighteen inches in length, the bill being about three inches and a half. The plumage of the W. is of a bright ash color, with streaks of brown on the neck and breast. The W. is a very widely distributed bird, being found from the north of Africa and of India to the arctic regions of Europe and Asia. It occurs also in Japan. It is a bird of passage, and visits Britain chiefly in the course of its spring and autumn migrations. A few whirnbrels breed in Shetland; but the number is diminishing, the eggs being in great request as a delicacy. The flesh is also highly esteemed.
