Eurasian Curlew

The Eurasian curlew, Numenius arquata, stands as the largest wader within its range, boasting a length of 50–60 cm and a wingspan of 89–106 cm. This bird, with its greyish brown plumage and white back, is distinguished by its impressively long, curved bill and greyish-blue legs. The sexes are similar in appearance, though the female typically has a longer bill.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Eurasian curlew, look for its long, down-curved bill, which is particularly elongated in females. Its call, a distinctive "curloo-oo," is a reliable auditory cue. In flight, note the long legs that extend beyond the tail, forming a conspicuous point. The Eurasian curlew can be differentiated from the smaller Eurasian whimbrel by its smoothly curved bill, as opposed to the whimbrel's shorter, kinked bill.

Habitat

The Eurasian curlew favors taiga, meadows, and similar open habitats for breeding. It is a migratory species, wintering in regions such as Africa, southern Europe, and south Asia.

Distribution

This curlew species enjoys a broad breeding range across temperate Europe and Asia. It is a year-round resident in milder climates like Ireland and the United Kingdom, and adjacent European coasts.

Behaviour

Outside of breeding season, the Eurasian curlew is highly gregarious and generally wary. It has been observed to nest in proximity to common kestrels, which may offer protection from predators.

Song & Calls

The Eurasian curlew's call is a loud and unmistakable "curloo-oo," which has contributed to its English name.

Breeding

The curlew's nest is a simple scrape on the ground. Clutches typically contain 4 eggs, laid in April or May, with incubation lasting about a month. The species has been noted to nest near common kestrels for protection against predators.

Diet and Feeding

This bird probes soft mud for invertebrates and will also consume small crabs and earthworms when available.

Conservation status

The Eurasian curlew was elevated to Near Threatened status in 2008 due to rapid population declines, particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Habitat changes due to arable farming and afforestation have been detrimental to its numbers. It is now on the United Kingdom's red list of most endangered bird species and is subject to conservation efforts under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).