The eurasian whimbrel is a widespread, migratory shorebird known for its long, downward-curving bill and distinctive striped head pattern. It is one of the most common of the curlew species, found in a variety of coastal and wetland habitats. The sometimes similar looking Curlews will have a distinctively longer decurved bill. The whimbrel will usually appear more darker.

At Seberang Perai it will be the second largest shorebird you will encounter, visibily smaller that the Eurasian and Far Eastern Curlews, especially if compared side by side. It is fairly common throughout, in the range of hundreds, and occasionally up to low thousand, if on transit. Highest figures will be at the Teluk Air Twar – Kuala Muda coast IBA.