Numenius phaeopus, commonly known as the Whimbrel, is a migratory bird species with a wide native range. It breeds in the northern parts of the world, including Arctic and sub-Arctic regions encompassing parts of North America, Northern Europe, and Asia. Breeding is particularly concentrated in areas like Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, and Siberia. During the non-breeding season, Whimbrels migrate to coastal regions in the tropics and subtropics, being found in parts of South America, Africa, South Asia, and Australia.

The Whimbrel primarily inhabits open tundra during the breeding season, favoring wet, boggy areas with sparse vegetation such as mosses and lichens. It particularly thrives in areas with low shrubs and sedges, which provide ideal nesting sites. During migration and in winter, the species is commonly found in coastal landscapes such as estuaries, mudflats, mangroves, and sandy beaches. These environments provide abundant food sources like crustaceans and marine invertebrates.

In its ecological niche, the Whimbrel plays an important role as a predator of invertebrates, helping control the population dynamics of its prey. Its long, curved bill is an adaptation for probing into soft substrates to extract worms and other hidden organisms. The bird's migratory pattern also helps connect various ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and energy flow from Arctic to tropical systems.