This species is primarily found in coastal habitats such as estuarine mudflats, sandy beaches, lagoons, and saltmarshes during migration and in wintering grounds. Less commonly, it may be found on inland wetlands with muddy edges. On its breeding grounds, it prefers arctic tundra with damp moss and sparse vegetation.

Look for its characteristic decurved bill, which it uses to probe deeply into mud for invertebrates. In flight, a prominent white rump and wing bar are visible. Its call is a soft, trilling 'chirrip' or 'curr-eee', often given in flight. During breeding season (Northern Hemisphere summer), its distinctive rufous-red plumage makes it stand out; in non-breeding plumage, it is duller grey-brown.

Curlew Sandpipers are most active during low tide, when they can forage on exposed mudflats. They are primarily observed during their spring and autumn migrations across Europe, Africa, and Asia, when they stage at suitable wetlands. On their Arctic breeding grounds, they are present during the brief summer months from June to August.