Species Profile
Curlew
Numenius arquata
Quick Facts
Conservation
NTNear ThreatenedLifespan
10–15 years
Length
50–60 cm
Weight
540–1000 g
Wingspan
89–106 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Eurasian Curlew, Common Curlew, European Curlew
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Appearance
The Curlew is a large wader with a distinctive long, down-curved bill and long legs. Its plumage is mottled brown above with a pale underside, featuring dark streaks on the breast and flanks. The rump and tail are white with dark barring.
Both sexes look similar, with females typically larger and having a longer bill. Juveniles resemble adults but have shorter, less curved bills and more buff-coloured upperparts.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Brown
- Legs
- Grey
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Curlews inhabit various open landscapes, including coastal mudflats, estuaries, marshes, and inland wet grasslands. They breed across northern Europe and Asia, from the UK to eastern Siberia.
During winter, they migrate to coastal areas of western Europe, Africa, southern Asia, and Australia. Curlews can be found year-round in the UK, with numbers boosted by winter visitors from continental Europe.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
United Kingdom
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Rutland
Bristol
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Lincolnshire
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
North Yorkshire
Oxfordshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
Suffolk
Shropshire
Somerset
Staffordshire
Stockton-on-Tees
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
Curlews feed primarily on invertebrates such as worms, molluscs, and crustaceans. Their long, curved bills are perfectly adapted for probing deep into mud and soil.
During the breeding season, they consume insects and occasionally small fish, amphibians, and plant material.
Behaviour
Curlews are often seen probing the mud or soil with their long bills, searching for invertebrates. They are generally wary birds, quick to take flight when disturbed. During the breeding season, males perform elaborate aerial displays, accompanied by their haunting, bubbling calls.
Calls & Sounds
The Curlew's call is one of the most evocative sounds of wetlands and coasts. Their most recognisable vocalisation is a loud, drawn-out 'cur-lee', which gives them their name. During the breeding season, males produce a bubbling, trilling song that rises and falls in pitch, often described as 'courlee-courlee-courlee'.
Nesting & Breeding
Curlews typically breed from April to July. Males perform elaborate aerial displays and vocalisations to attract females. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often in grasslands or moorlands. The female usually lays four olive-green eggs with brown spots. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs.
Incubation lasts about 30 days. Chicks are precocial and can leave the nest soon after hatching. They fledge after 32-38 days, with parents providing care for several weeks after fledging.
Conservation
The Curlew is classified as Near Threatened due to population declines across its range. Habitat loss, particularly of breeding grounds, and changes in agricultural practices are significant threats. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland and grassland habitats.
Elevation
Up to 1,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Adult Curlews face threats from large birds of prey such as Peregrine Falcons and Golden Eagles. Eggs and chicks are vulnerable to foxes, stoats, and corvids.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Curlews in coastal mudflats, estuaries, and wet grasslands
- Listen for their distinctive 'cur-lee' call, especially during the breeding season
- Observe their unique feeding behaviour, probing deep into mud with their long bills
- In the UK, watch for them in coastal areas and inland wetlands year-round
Did You Know?
- The Curlew has the longest bill relative to its body size of any wading bird species.
- Curlews can live for over 30 years in the wild, making them one of the longest-lived wader species.
- The Curlew is the largest European wading bird, often referred to as the 'prince of the waders'.
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