Bristle-thighed Curlew

Bristle-thighed Curlew is distinguished from its similar and common Whimbrel cousin by its buffy rump and tail, more patterned back, more decurved bill, and especially its extremely restricted range.  It is reliably seen in North America only on a particular hilltop some 72 miles north of Nome, Alaska, and is always a prime target species for birders visiting Nome. Its namesake lower part bristles are actually very difficult to discern in the field.