Bristle-thighed Curlew

Numenius tahitiensis

Near ThreatenedRareOmnivoreGrasslandScrapeLarge · 400 g

About the Bristle-thighed Curlew

The bristle-thighed curlew is a medium-sized shorebird that breeds in Alaska and winters on tropical Pacific islands.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The bristle-thighed curlew has a long, decurved bill and bristled feathers at the base of the legs. Its length is about 40–44 cm (16–17 in) and wingspan about 84 cm (33 in) (females averaging bigger than males). The size and shape are the same as the whimbrel's, and the plumage is similar, spotted brown on their upper body with a light belly and rust-colored or buffy tail. The bigger buff spots on the upper body, unmarked light belly and barely marked flanks, tail color, and pale buffy-orange rump distinguish it from both whimbrels.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where it lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in Chile, Japan, Wallis & Futuna, Canada.

When to see it

Peak activity in June · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Bristle-thighed Curlew for real

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