Bird Guide

Bristle-thighed Curlew vs Long-billed 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
Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

Large584 gGrassland

The long-billed curlew is the largest sandpiper of regular occurrence in North America. It is 50–65 cm (20–26 in) long, 62–90 cm (24+1⁄2–35+1⁄2 in) across the wing and weighs 490–950 g (1 lb 1+1⁄2 oz – 2 lb 1+1⁄2 oz). Its disproportionally long bill curves downward and measures 11.3–21.9 cm (4+1⁄2–8+5⁄8 in), and rivals the bill of the larger-bodied Far Eastern curlew as the longest bill of any shorebird. Individuals have a long neck and a small head. The neck and underparts are a light cinnamon in color, while the crown is streaked with brown.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Mike Baird from Morro Bay, USA · CC BY 2.0

Where you might meet both

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