The ABA checklist in North America now recognizes two Whimbrel species: Hudsonian & Eurasian Whimbrels
5 February 2026
The American Birding Association has officially adopted a major taxonomic update: the ABA Checklist now recognizes two distinct Whimbrel species in North America — the Hudsonian Whimbrel (Numenius hudsonicus) and the Eurasian Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) (ABA Checklist Committee Update, January 2026). This decision follows recent genomic research demonstrating long-term divergence and limited gene flow between trans-Beringian populations, notably: McLaughlin, J. F., Faircloth, B. C.,
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