Bird Guide

Eurasian Curlew vs Eurasian Whimbrel

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)

Eurasian Curlew

Numenius arquata

Large803 gGrassland

The Eurasian curlew is the largest wading bird in its range. It is 50–60 cm (20–24 in) long, has a wingspan of 89–106 cm (35–42 in) wingspan and weighs 410–1,360 g (0.90–3.00 lb). It is mainly greyish brown, with a white back, greyish-blue legs and a very long curved bill. Males and females look identical, but the bill is longest in the adult female. It is generally not possible to determine the sex of an individual Eurasian curlew, or even of several, as there is much variation. However, it is usually possible to tell the sexes apart in a mated pair. The familiar call is a loud curloo-oo.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Eurasian Curlew
Recorded by wilmet sebastien · Song · Arrondissement de Verdun (near Champneuville), Meuse, Grand Est, France · CC0
Photo: Stephan Sprinz · CC BY 4.0
Eurasian Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)

Eurasian Whimbrel

Numenius phaeopus

Large365 gGrassland

The Eurasian whimbrel is a fairly large wader, though mid-sized as a member of the curlew genus. It is 37–47 cm (15–19 in) in length, 75–90 cm (30–35 in) in wingspan, and 270–493 g (9.5–17.4 oz; 0.595–1.087 lb) in weight. It is mainly greyish brown, with a white back and rump (subspecies N. p. phaeopus and N. p. alboaxillaris only), and a long curved beak with a kink rather than a smooth curve. The usual call is a rippling whistle, prolonged into a trill for the song.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Eurasian Whimbrel
Recorded by Sonothèque ADVL · Genêts, Manche, Normandie, France · CC0
Photo: Hobbyfotowiki · CC0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Eurasian Curlew and Eurasian Whimbrel.