A rare wading bird has smasheda longevity record for its spe-cies, according to conservationists.

The whimbrel has been found breeding on the island of Fetlar in Shetland, where it was first ringed nearly a quarter of a century ago.

RSPB Scotland said the bird, thought to be at least 26-years-old, is now believed to be the oldest known surviving ringed whimbrel in the world.

It has easily surpassed the typical 11-year lifespan for the breed, and has also smashed the previous longevity record of 16 years.

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