Eurasian Curlew

Numenius arquata

Order: Charadriiformes / Family: Scolopacidae

Wikimedia Commons

brown large shorebird wading wetland grassland coastal migratory common widespread

About the Eurasian Curlew

The Eurasian Curlew, known scientifically as Numenius arquata, is one of the most recognizable waders across Europe and Asia, primarily due to its distinctive long, down-curved bill. This shorebird is a member of the family Scolopacidae and plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of its habitats. Curlews are often seen in moist grasslands, estuaries, and mudflats, where they use their specialized bills to probe for invertebrates hidden beneath the surface. During the breeding season, which spans from April to July, they inhabit moorlands and upland pastures, especially in regions such as Scotland, Ireland, and northern parts of England. Outside the breeding season, Eurasian Curlews migrate to southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of South Asia, where they populate coastal areas and estuaries. Their migration is a key event, connecting different biogeographic regions and influencing the biodiversity within these areas. The Eurasian Curlew's presence in diverse habitats underscores its adaptability and importance as a bioindicator species. Changes in curlew populations can reflect broader environmental shifts, making their study critical for conservation efforts. As a migratory bird, the Eurasian Curlew helps to transport nutrients across vast distances, contributing to nutrient cycling. Their foraging behavior also aids in controlling populations of invertebrates, thus maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The curlew's haunting, melodic call is a quintessential sound of the wetlands and grasslands, adding an auditory layer to the landscapes they inhabit. In recent decades, the Eurasian Curlew population has experienced significant declines, particularly in Europe, primarily due to habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and human disturbance. Conservation programs are increasingly focusing on habitat restoration and protection to ensure the survival of this iconic species. The Eurasian Curlew's decline highlights the urgent need for coordinated international conservation efforts, as they traverse numerous countries during their migratory journeys. Thus, understanding the Eurasian Curlew's role in various ecosystems and its ecological requirements is essential for implementing effective conservation strategies.

The Eurasian Curlew belongs to the family Scolopacidae, within the order Charadriiformes. These birds typically live average 10-15 years, with a max recorded at 32 years..

How to Identify a Eurasian Curlew

The Eurasian Curlew is a large wader, easily identified by its long, curved bill, which measures between 12 and 15 centimeters. This bill is particularly effective for probing deep into soft substrates to extract invertebrates. Adults have a brown and white plumage with a distinctive streaked pattern that provides excellent camouflage in their preferred habitats. The underparts are paler, often with darker streaks, while the upperparts exhibit a more uniform brown coloration. Juveniles are similar to adults but typically exhibit more pronounced streaking on the underparts and a slightly shorter bill. In terms of sexual dimorphism, females tend to be larger than males and possess longer bills. In flight, the Eurasian Curlew displays a broad wingspan of around 80 to 100 centimeters, with a noticeable white wedge on the rump and barred tail. The wings are long and pointed, aiding in their long migratory flights. The silhouette of a curlew in flight is unmistakable due to its elongated bill and legs which extend beyond the tail. When perched, the Eurasian Curlew often adopts a relaxed posture, with its long legs and bill contributing to a distinguished profile. It can sometimes be confused with the Whimbrel, which is a smaller relative, but the Whimbrel's bill is shorter and less curved, and it has a distinctive head pattern with crown stripes, which the curlew lacks. Observers can rely on these field marks, coupled with habitat preference, to accurately identify the Eurasian Curlew in the field.

Having trouble telling birds apart? Upload a photo to our bird identification tool for an instant species match.

Eurasian Curlew Habitat and Range

Preferred Habitat

Eurasian Curlews inhabit a range of wetland and grassland environments. During the breeding season, they favor upland moorlands, bogs, and pastures found in the British Isles, Scandinavia, and Russia. They prefer areas with low vegetation cover, which provides visibility to detect predators while nesting on the ground. In winter, curlews migrate to coastal mudflats, estuaries, and sandy shores, with significant populations found along the coasts of Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. They are primarily found at low elevations, although some populations may occupy higher altitudes during the breeding season. Seasonal habitat shifts occur as the birds move from inland breeding grounds to coastal wintering sites. While curlews are less common in urban environments, they may occasionally be observed in agricultural fields adjacent to their primary habitats. The curlew's adaptability to varied habitats highlights its ability to navigate different ecological niches throughout the year.

Geographic Range

The Eurasian Curlew's breeding range extends across temperate Europe and Asia, including countries like the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and northern Russia. In these regions, they inhabit open moorlands and pastures. During their migration, which occurs primarily from late summer to early autumn, they traverse long distances to reach wintering grounds in southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of South Asia. Notable countries where they winter include Spain, Portugal, and India. Migration corridors often follow coastlines and major river valleys, providing critical stopover sites for resting and refueling. Population density hotspots during winter are particularly notable in the UK and the west coast of Africa, where large flocks can be observed. Despite their wide range, Eurasian Curlews are facing challenges due to habitat loss and degradation, impacting their population numbers across many parts of their range.

Want to know which birds visit your area? Browse our backyard birds by location guides for region-specific species lists.

What Does the Eurasian Curlew Eat?

The Eurasian Curlew primarily feeds on invertebrates, utilizing its long, sensitive bill to probe deep into mud and soft substrates. Their diet includes earthworms, mollusks, crustaceans, and insects, which they hunt in tidal flats and grasslands. During the breeding season, their diet shifts slightly to incorporate more terrestrial invertebrates, such as beetles and caterpillars. These birds exhibit a methodical foraging technique, walking slowly and probing the ground repeatedly. Prey sizes vary, but their specialized bill allows them to extract small prey items that other birds might miss. Curlews generally feed during low tide periods when their preferred foraging grounds are most accessible. They are primarily diurnal feeders, although they may also forage at night, especially during migration when they need to replenish energy reserves. Seasonal changes in diet reflect the availability of prey in different habitats, demonstrating their adaptability to diverse food sources.

Eurasian Curlew Behavior and Social Structure

Eurasian Curlews exhibit a range of behaviors that reflect their social and ecological adaptations. These birds are generally found in pairs during the breeding season, but outside this period, they form loose flocks, particularly during migration and wintering. Their territorial behavior is most pronounced during the breeding season when males perform elaborate display flights to establish and defend their nesting territories. This involves a series of undulating flights accompanied by their distinctive, musical calls. Curlews are relatively non-aggressive, relying more on vocalizations and displays than physical confrontations to deter intruders. They respond to predators with a combination of alarm calls and distraction displays, often leading threats away from their nesting sites. During the day, curlews are active foragers, and their daily activity patterns align with tidal cycles, as they exploit intertidal zones for food. Their flocking patterns during migration are less regimented than those of some other shorebirds, with groups often forming and dispersing based on food availability and weather conditions.

Eurasian Curlew Nesting and Reproduction

Eurasian Curlews nest in open habitats, preferring areas with low vegetation that provide clear sightlines to detect predators. The nest itself is a simple scrape on the ground, lined with grass and other plant materials to provide some insulation and camouflage. Curlews typically lay a clutch of 3 to 4 eggs, which are cryptically colored to blend with the surrounding environment. Incubation lasts about 27 to 29 days, and both parents share this duty, although the female tends to take a more prominent role. Once hatched, the chicks are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after to follow the parents and learn to forage. The fledging period lasts about 5 to 6 weeks, during which the chicks develop the necessary skills for survival. Curlews usually raise one brood per year, although in some cases, they may attempt a second if the first is unsuccessful. Parental roles are crucial, with both parents actively involved in feeding and protecting the young.

Eurasian Curlew Sounds and Vocalizations

The Eurasian Curlew is renowned for its evocative call, which carries a haunting, fluting quality. Its primary song consists of a series of rising and falling notes, often described as a 'cur-lee' sound, which is both rhythmic and melodic. These calls are most frequently heard during the breeding season, when males use them to establish territory and attract mates. In addition to their song, curlews produce a variety of call notes, including short, sharp alarm calls that alert other birds to potential threats. The dawn chorus often features the curlew's calls prominently, adding to the soundscape of moorlands and estuaries. Compared to the calls of related species, the Eurasian Curlew's voice is deeper and more resonant, a characteristic that aids birdwatchers in distinguishing it from similar species.

Interesting Facts About the Eurasian Curlew

1The Eurasian Curlew's bill can measure up to 15 centimeters, making it one of the longest among waders.
2Curlews can live for more than 30 years in the wild, with the oldest recorded individual reaching 32 years.
3The Eurasian Curlew's distinctive 'cur-lee' call is often used as a backdrop in films to evoke wilderness.
4During migration, curlews can travel over 2,000 kilometers, relying on stopover sites to refuel.
5Eurasian Curlews have been a part of folklore and literature, symbolizing melancholy and the wild.

Eurasian Curlew Conservation Status

The Eurasian Curlew is currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, with populations experiencing a worrying decline, particularly in Europe. Habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural expansion, drainage of wetlands, and increased human disturbance are primary threats to their survival. Conservation efforts are underway to address these issues, focusing on habitat restoration and legal protection of key breeding and wintering sites. In the UK, targeted management of moorland habitats aims to improve conditions for breeding curlews. Historically, Eurasian Curlew populations were more robust, but changes in land use and environmental pressures have led to significant declines over the past few decades. International cooperation is essential, as these migratory birds cross numerous borders during their annual movements.