Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopus

Whimbrels are the most widespread of the curlews, occuring across the whole Northern hemisphere in the northern summer and migrating south in the Northern winter. They are medium-sized for curlews (40-45 cm) and can be told apart from the Eastern Curlew with a bit of practice by size, curve of the bill and the striping on the head.
 

Whimbrel

Whimbrel

Whimbrel

1: Cairns Esplanade, Qld, 13/03/2012.
2: Cairns Esplanade, Qld, 13/10/2011.
3: Cairns Esplanade, Qld, 17/10/2010.