Eurasian Curlew

Numenius arquata

Genus · Curlews Family · Sandpipers and Allies
Observation tips Difficulty: MODERATE
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Coastal meadowsMarshy grasslandShorelines

Look for the enormous bill curving downwards. In flight, they show a very prominent white 'V' shape on the lower back.

Eurasian Curlew

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan80–105 cm
Weight450–1300 g
Length50–60 cm
Lifespan wild10–20 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeScrape
Clutch size3–5 eggs
Incubation27–30 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
NT
Near Threatened (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationMigratory
Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Carnivore

🫐Berries
🦀Crustaceans
🦗Insects
🐚Mollusks
🪱Worms

Habitat

🌿 Grassland🌊 Marine🌾 Marsh🏞️ River
✦ Fun Fact

The female's bill is significantly longer and more curved than the male's. This allows the two sexes to feed at different depths and avoid competing for food.

About

The largest European wader. It is an iconic bird of wild places. It is instantly recognized by its very long, downward-curving bill and haunting call. It breeds on upland moors and meadows but winters on coastal mudflats. It is a species of high conservation concern due to habitat loss.

Behaviour

Curlews use their long bills to probe deep into the mud for worms and shellfish. On breeding grounds, they perform a spectacular bubbling song-flight. They are wary birds and are often the first to give a loud 'cour-li' alarm call. In winter, they gather in large, cautious flocks on the coast.

Similar species

Numenius Phaeopus
🐦
Numenius Phaeopus
Black-tailed Godwit
🐦
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosa
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