Species Profile

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

Quick Facts

Conservation

NTNear Threatened

Lifespan

10–15 years

Length

18–23 cm

Weight

45–90 g

Wingspan

38–41 cm

Migration

Long-distance Migrant

This long-distance migrant shorebird wows observers with its dramatic seasonal colour change, transforming from mottled grey to rich rufous as it prepares for breeding.

Also known as: Curlew Stint

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Gallery

Appearance

The Curlew Sandpiper is a small wader with a distinctive down-curved bill. In breeding plumage, it displays a rich chestnut-red head, neck, and underparts, with dark-spotted upperparts. Non-breeding adults are predominantly grey above and white below.

Juveniles have scaly-patterned upperparts with buff edges and a peachy wash on the breast. The species exhibits a slightly larger and longer, more curved bill than other small sandpipers.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: Red
Secondary: Brown
Beak: Black
Legs: Black

Attributes

Agility85/100

Strength60/100

Adaptability90/100

Aggression40/100

Endurance95/100

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

Curlew Sandpipers breed in the high Arctic tundra of Siberia. During non-breeding seasons, they are found along coastal areas across a vast range, including Africa, southern Asia, and Australasia.

In Australia, they are common summer visitors to coastal areas. They prefer intertidal mudflats, estuaries, and salt marshes but they can also be found inland wetlands during migration.

Distribution

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Where to See This Bird

Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.

East Riding of Yorkshire

BreedingMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Lincolnshire

BreedingApr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Norfolk

BreedingMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Stockton-on-Tees

BreedingMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

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Diet

Curlew Sandpipers primarily feed on small invertebrates, including insects, molluscs, and crustaceans. They use their long, curved bills to probe deep into mud and sand, often feeding in shallow water. During the breeding season, they may also consume plant material.

Behaviour

Curlew Sandpipers are often seen probing the mud with their long, curved bills in a sewing machine-like motion. They typically forage in small flocks, moving quickly across mudflats. They may form large, dense flocks during migration, particularly at staging sites.

Calls & Sounds

The Curlew Sandpiper's call is a soft, rolling 'chirrup' or 'chirrip', often given in flight. During the breeding season, males produce a trilling song described as a rapid 'trit-trit-trit-treeee', typically delivered during display flights over their territories.

Nesting & Breeding

Curlew Sandpipers form breeding pairs soon after arriving in the Arctic tundra, typically in June. Males perform aerial displays to attract females.

Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often near water and lined with leaves and lichen. Females typically lay 4 eggs, which are pale green to olive with brown spots.

Incubation lasts about 21 days, primarily by the female. Chicks are precocial and can feed themselves shortly after hatching, fledging after about 14-16 days.

Conservation

Due to population declines, the Curlew Sandpiper is listed as Near Threatened. Key threats include habitat loss in breeding and non-breeding areas, particularly the destruction of tidal mudflats. Climate change impacts on Arctic breeding grounds are also a concern.

NTNear Threatened

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 1,085,000 - 1,285,000 individuals^[3]

Trend: Decreasing^[2]

Elevation

Sea level to 4,500 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Main predators include Arctic foxes, skuas, and gulls on breeding grounds. During migration and winter, various birds of prey and larger gulls pose threats.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Curlew Sandpipers on coastal mudflats and salt marshes during migration
Observe the distinctive down-curved bill and longer legs compared to other small sandpipers
Watch for their rapid feeding behaviour, often in mixed flocks with other waders
In Australia, check coastal areas during the austral summer for non-breeding birds

Did You Know?

Curlew Sandpipers can fly non-stop for up to 5,000 kilometres during migration.
They have been recorded at elevations up to 4,500 meters while crossing the Himalayas.
Some individuals live up to 19 years despite their small size.