The curlew is the largest European wading bird, instantly recognisable on winter estuaries or summer moors by its long, downcurved bill, brown upperparts, long legs and evocative call.
Key ID Features
Large wader with streaked brown upper parts, spottted flanks and a uniformly streaked crown.
Long, evenly down curved bill.
Short greyish legs.
In flight the dark tipped upper wings and broad 'V' on the rump is visible.
Overview
Scientific name: Numenius arquata
Family: Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)
Where to see them:
Around the whole UK coastline with the largest concentrations of found at Morecambe Bay, the Solway Firth, the Wash, and the Dee, Severn, Humber and Thames estuaries. Greatest breeding numbers are found in N Wales, the Pennines, the southern uplands and E Highlands of Scotland and the Northern Isles.
Seen in UK:
All year round. Look in breeding habitat from April to July. Coastal numbers build up from July and reach a peak in January and February.
What they eat
Worms, shellfish and shrimps.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Stanpit, Christchurch
Photographer: Tim Tapley
