Charadriiformes / Scolopacidae / Numenius
Eurasian Curlew
Numenius arquata · 白腰杓鹬
Introduction
A very large wader in the family Scolopacidae, breeding across temperate Europe and Asia. It is one of the most widespread curlews. The species is migratory over most of its range and is currently assessed as Near Threatened due to rapid population declines.
Description
The largest wader in its range, measuring 50–60 cm (20–24 in) in length with an 89–106 cm (35–42 in) wingspan and a body weight of 410–1,360 g (0.90–3.00 lb). Plumage is mainly greyish brown with a white back. It has greyish-blue legs and a very long, curved bill. Males and females appear identical, though the bill is longest in adult females. Sexing individuals is generally difficult due to variation, though possible in mated pairs.
Identification
Distinguished by its large size and very long, smoothly curved bill. The Eurasian whimbrel is smaller with a shorter bill featuring a kink rather than a smooth curve. In flight, it may resemble bar-tailed godwits in winter plumage, but godwits are smaller, have slightly upturned beaks, and legs that do not extend far beyond the tail tips. Curlew feet are longer, forming a conspicuous point. The call is a loud curloo-oo.
Distribution & Habitat
Breeds across temperate Europe and Asia, including west, north, and central Europe; west and central Siberia to Northeast China; and western Kazakhstan to southwestern Siberia. Migratory, wintering in Africa, southern Europe, and south Asia. Present year-round in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and adjacent European coasts. Occasional vagrants reach Nova Scotia and the Marianas. Habitat includes marshy fields, moorland, and grasslands.
Behavior & Ecology
Generally wary and highly gregarious outside the breeding season. Nests in a bare scrape in meadows or similar habitats. Clutch size is four eggs, laid in April or May, incubated by both adults for four weeks. Often nests near common kestrels for protection against corvids, despite kestrels also preying on nests. Feeds by probing soft mud for small invertebrates, also picking small crabs and earthworms from the surface. Eggs are preyed upon by foxes, predatory birds, and sheep.
Conservation
Assessed as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2008 due to rapid population declines. Previously listed as Least Concern. Populations declined by more than 50% in England and Scotland, more than 80% in Wales, and more than 90% in Ireland in the twenty years up to 2016. Listed on the United Kingdom's red list of most endangered bird species at the end of 2015. Covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). Threats include habitat loss from reclamation, drainage, afforestation, and high levels of arable farming.
Culture
Known as the 'whaup' in Scots in Scotland. The English name 'curlew' is imitative of its call and was first recorded in 1377.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Scolopacidae
- Genus
- Numenius
Subspecies (3)
-
Numenius arquata arquata
breeds British Isles to Ural Mountains; winters to western Africa
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
