A photo of a Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), male
Eurasian Curlew, Male

Eurasian Curlew

Numenius arquata

The Eurasian curlew or common curlew (Numenius arquata) is a wader in the large family Scolopacidae. It is one of the most widespread of the curlews, breeding across temperate Europe and Asia. In Europe, this species is often referred to just as the "curlew", and in Scotland known as the "whaup" in Scots. The Eurasian curlew is the largest wader in its range. It is mainly greyish brown, with a white back, greyish-blue legs and a very long curved bill. Males and females look identical, but the bill is longest in the adult female. It is generally not possible to recognize the sex of a single Eurasian curlew, or even several ones, as there is much variation; telling male and female of a mated pair apart is usually possible however. The familiar call is a loud curloo-oo. The only similar species over most of the curlew's range is the Eurasian whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus). The whimbrel is smaller and has a shorter bill with a kink rather than a smooth curve. Flying curlews may also resemble bar-tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica) in their winter plumages; however, the latter have a smaller body, a slightly upturned beak, and legs that do not reach far beyond their tail tips. The Eurasian curlew's feet are longer, forming a conspicuous "point".
Birda logo
Download Birda for free and join the community of curious everyday people connecting with the natural world
Birda logo
Download Birda for free and join the community

Eurasian Curlews on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
🦢
Adrian Turner
Wednesday 22 Mar 2023 - 10:49am
United Kingdom
A map showing the sighting location
🐧
Jim McCormack
Wednesday 22 Mar 2023 - 10:22am
United Kingdom
A map showing the sighting location
🦉
Pauline W
Wednesday 22 Mar 2023 - 10:09am
United Kingdom
A map showing the sighting location
🐧
Jim McCormack
Wednesday 22 Mar 2023 - 10:07am
United Kingdom
Connect with nature,
Find your flock
Copyright © 2023 Chirp Birding Ltd. All rights reserved.