Bird Guide

Bristle-thighed Curlew vs Little Curlew

Bristle-thighed Curlew (Numenius tahitiensis)

Bristle-thighed Curlew

Numenius tahitiensis

Large400 gGrassland

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Bryan Harry/NPS · Public domain
Little Curlew (Numenius minutus)

Little Curlew

Numenius minutus

Medium173 gGrassland

It is mainly greyish-brown, including the underwings, with a white belly, and a short, for a curlew, curved bill. It has a head pattern like a Eurasian whimbrel, with crown and superciliary stripes. The call is a repetitive whistle. It is the smallest species of curlew with an average length of 28–31 cm (11–12 in), an average wingspan of 68–71 cm (27–28 in) and an average weight of 175 grams (6.2 oz).

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Little Curlew
Recorded by Jochem Verweij · Flight call · Ögiy, O'giinuur, Arkhangai, Mongolia · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Wayne Cheng · CC BY 2.0

Learn this pair in the BeakBrain App

Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.

Play today's Daily Bird

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Bristle-thighed Curlew and Little Curlew.