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Bioestrecho

SpeciesBirds

Slender-billed Curlew

Numenius tenuirostrisVieillot, 1817

Order
Charadriiformes
Family
Scolopacidae
Presence in the Strait
Vagrant
Protection in Spain
Special protection (List)
In Spanish
Zarapito fino
Length
36–41 cm
Wingspan
77–88 cm
020406080100LENGTH36–41 cmWINGSPAN77–88 cmcentimetres

Presence in the Strait

Accidental. In high risk of extinction worldwide. It seems that the Strait of Gibraltar witnessed regular migration during the second half of the 19th Century, but only rare migration from the start of the 20th Century. Last records in the area were at the Cape of Trafalgar: 13 birds in 1979 and 10 in 1980.

Identification

Similar to the Whimbrel, but smaller, with thinner bill and almost white lower body covered in tear-shaped spots (similar to the Mistle Thrush). In flight, displays white tail with bars at tip and wings with very pale inner primaries and secondaries. Originates from W. Siberia. Scolopacidae ad.W ad.W Aguja Colinegra ad.E ad.W ad.W Aguja Colipinta ad.E

Bioestrecho editorial text. Last revised: 8 September 2026.