Little Curlew

The Little Curlew, Numenius minutus, is a diminutive member of the Scolopacidae family, known for its wading habits. This species is distinguished by its notably small stature among curlews and is closely related to the North American Eskimo Curlew.

Identification Tips

Adult Little Curlews exhibit a greyish-brown plumage, including the underwings, contrasted by a white belly. Their bill is shorter and more curved than that of their larger relatives. The head is adorned with distinctive crown and superciliary stripes, reminiscent of the Eurasian Whimbrel.

Habitat

During the breeding season, the Little Curlew favors forest clearings within river valleys of the far north of Siberia. In the non-breeding season, it can be found inland on grasslands, cultivated fields, or near freshwater sources.

Distribution

A highly migratory bird, the Little Curlew spends its winters in Australasia. It is an occasional vagrant to western Europe, with rare sightings in places such as Belgium and The Netherlands.

Behaviour

The Little Curlew is known for its gregarious nature, often forming sizable flocks. It breeds in loose colonies and lays its eggs in ground scrapes.

Song & Calls

The species is named for its call, a repetitive whistle, which is reminiscent of the sound "curlew."

Diet and Feeding

This bird is an invertebrate feeder, probing the soft mud with its curved bill to extract small prey.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Little Curlew as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.