About the Eurasian Curlew
The Eurasian curlew or common curlew is a very large wader in the family Scolopacidae. It is one of the most widespread of the curlews, breeding across temperate Europe and Asia. In Europe, this species is often referred to just as the "curlew", and in Scotland known as the "whaup" in Scots.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Eurasian Curlew sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Australia, Canada, United States, Luxembourg, Argentina, Brunei, Jordan, Kosovo, Guam, Cape Verde, Comoros, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria.
When to see it
Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Eurasian WhimbrelNumenius phaeopusThe Eurasian whimbrel is a fairly large wader, though mid-sized as a member of the curlew genus.
Long-billed CurlewNumenius americanusThe long-billed curlew is the largest sandpiper of regular occurrence in North America.
Far Eastern CurlewNumenius madagascariensisThe Far Eastern curlew is a large wader most similar in appearance to the long-billed curlew, but slightly larger.
Side by side: Eurasian Curlew vs Eurasian Whimbrel · Eurasian Curlew vs Long-billed Curlew
Learn the Eurasian Curlew for real
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