Birding for color-banded birds: Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus)

WHSRNews: 24 June 2008

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), color-banded in Colombia

Richard Johnston and other colleagues at Asociación Calidris of Colombia reported that they successfully banded 38 Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) at Sanquianga National Park on Colombia’s Pacific coast this April. An examination of the birds’ new plumage and fat reserves showed that more than 75% of them were ready for the northward migration. The marking scheme used on these birds was:

Right tibia (upper leg): Metal/Colour — Orange or Black
Right tarsus (lower leg): None
Left tibia: Flags — Medium Green*/Yellow [*Double letter code]
Left tarsus: None

If you see a color-banded Whimbrel, please carefully take note of its particular marking scheme and send the information, including the date and location of the sighting, to Richard at calidris@calidris.org.co and rjohnston@calidris.org.co.

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