Historically, this species bred in the steppes of southwestern Siberia and northern Kazakhstan, utilizing marshy or boggy areas with scattered trees. During migration and winter, they were found in various wetland habitats across the Mediterranean and North Africa, including coastal lagoons, estuaries, saltmarshes, and even flooded pastures. Finding this bird now is considered impossible.

Distinguished from other curlews by its smaller size, proportionately thinner and straighter bill, and distinctive streaking on its flanks which were often described as having large, rounded spots. Its call was a clear, whistling 'cour-lee' or 'kerr-loo', often higher pitched and less melancholic than other curlew species. Due to its likely extinction, direct observation methods are no longer applicable.

Historically, breeding occurred from late April to July, with migration southwards from August. They would spend the non-breeding season from autumn through spring in their wintering grounds. Any potential sightings would have been during these migratory or wintering periods. However, no reliable sightings have occurred since 1995, rendering any 'when' moot for current birdwatchers.