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Eurasian Curlew

Numenius arquata

The Eurasian Curlew is a large, long-legged bird with a beautiful curved beak. They love to roam around wetlands and coastal areas, searching for tasty worms and crustaceans to eat.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Eurasian Curlew is a large wading bird with mottled brown plumage, a pale belly, and long grey-blue legs. Its most distinctive feature is its incredibly long, slender, downcurved bill, which is perfect for probing deep into mud and soil.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusNumenius
Eurasian Curlew
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badgewetland trait badge
Eurasian Curlew

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Curlew chicks can run and find food by themselves just hours after hatching.

Some curlews travel thousands of kilometers each year, flying between continents!

Their bill can grow up to 20cm long – sometimes longer than a standard pencil!

They make a beautiful, bubbling 'cur-lee' call that gives them their name!

Special abilities

Ability

Super Sniffer

Eurasian Curlews have a super sense of touch in their bill tips that helps them find hidden worms underground.

Ability

Mud Mapper

Eurasian Curlews can use their long, curved bill to probe deeply into mud and soft soil to find food.

Ability

Nature's Camouflage

Eurasian Curlews have mottled brown plumage that helps them blend perfectly into their grassy and muddy habitats.

Ability

Voice Messenger

Eurasian Curlews use their loud, bubbling 'cur-lee' call to communicate with others and warn of danger.

Measurements & details

Length
50-60 cm
Wingspan
80-106 cm
Weight
0.58-1.3 kg
Lifespan
10-32 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
2-5
Incubation
27-30 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

They use their long, curved bills to probe for insects, worms, and small crustaceans hidden in the mud and soil.

Primary Foods

  • Earthworms
  • Ragworms
  • Crabs
  • Beetles
  • Small fish
  • Berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Preys on eggs and vulnerable young chicks in nests.

eaten by

Common Raven

Corvus corax

May take eggs and small chicks from unattended nests.

eats

Ragworm

Nereis virens

Probes for these marine worms in intertidal mudflats.

eats

Green Crab

Carcinus maenas

Crushes and eats small crabs found on the mudflats.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a bird, watch quietly from a distance so you don't scare it away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Eurasian Curlew?

50-60 cm

What is Eurasian Curlew's wingspan?

80-106 cm

How much does Eurasian Curlew weigh?

0.58-1.3 kg

How long does Eurasian Curlew live?

10-32 years

How fast can Eurasian Curlew move?

70 km/h

What does Eurasian Curlew eat?

They use their long, curved bills to probe for insects, worms, and small crustaceans hidden in the mud and soil.

Where is Eurasian Curlew usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Eurasian Curlew hunt?

Foraging

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