Eurasian Curlew
Eurasian Curlew
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The Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) is the largest wader in Europe, instantly recognizable by its exceptionally long, distinctively down-curved bill and its haunting, far-carrying 'cur-lee' call. This iconic migratory shorebird is a characteristic species of open landscapes, including extensive wetlands, grasslands, and coastal areas across its widespread range.
Where to spot
Eurasian Curlews can be found in a variety of open habitats. During the breeding season, they prefer extensive damp grasslands, bogs, moorlands, and sometimes agricultural fields. Outside of breeding, they congregate in coastal estuaries, mudflats, saltmarshes, and flooded fields.
How to spot
Listen for its evocative and mournful 'cur-lee' or bubbling call, which is often the first sign of its presence. When observing, look for its large size and long, decurved bill as it probes deeply into mud or soil for food. They are generally wary birds, so approaching quietly and using binoculars or a scope is recommended.
When to spot
Curlews are typically active during daylight hours, especially during low tide when feeding on coastal mudflats. The breeding season generally runs from April to July. Spring migration occurs from March to May, and autumn migration from August to October, when large flocks can be seen at stopover sites. Wintering birds are predominantly found in coastal and estuarine environments.
Where to spot
Eurasian Curlews can be found in a variety of open habitats. During the breeding season, they prefer extensive damp grasslands, bogs, moorlands, and sometimes agricultural fields. Outside of breeding, they congregate in coastal estuaries, mudflats, saltmarshes, and flooded fields.
How to spot
Listen for its evocative and mournful 'cur-lee' or bubbling call, which is often the first sign of its presence. When observing, look for its large size and long, decurved bill as it probes deeply into mud or soil for food. They are generally wary birds, so approaching quietly and using binoculars or a scope is recommended.
When to spot
Curlews are typically active during daylight hours, especially during low tide when feeding on coastal mudflats. The breeding season generally runs from April to July. Spring migration occurs from March to May, and autumn migration from August to October, when large flocks can be seen at stopover sites. Wintering birds are predominantly found in coastal and estuarine environments.
Credits:
adege
Credits:
dp1616
Credits:
hapr80
Credits:
Georg_Wietschorke
Credits:
DenisDoukhan
Credits:
adege
Credits:
dp1616
Credits:
ABeijeman
The Eurasian Curlew boasts the longest bill relative to its body size among all wader species worldwide, perfectly adapted for probing deep into soft substrates to extract hidden invertebrates.
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Spotted
- Recently spotted
- 18366 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 12 hours ago
Monthly observations
20 observations
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