ExploreBirds

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

The Long-billed Curlew is a tall bird with a very long, curved bill. It loves to roam the wetlands and grasslands, searching for tasty insects and crustaceans to eat.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Long-billed Curlew is a large shorebird with warm cinnamon-brown plumage and distinct streaks on its head and neck. Its most striking feature is an incredibly long, slender, and distinctly downcurved bill. Pale blue-grey legs contrast with its earthy tones.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusNumenius
Long-billed Curlew
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgegrassland trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Long-billed Curlew

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Curlews can poke their bill into mud up to its full length.

Their extra-long bill can be up to eight inches!

These birds migrate in large flocks across continents.

They lay their eggs right on the ground in a simple scrape.

Special abilities

Ability

Proboscis Probe

Long-billed Curlews can reach deep into the mud because of their extra-long, curved bill that helps them find hidden prey.

Ability

Grassland Camouflage

Long-billed Curlews have streaky brown feathers that help them blend perfectly into tall prairie grasses to hide from predators.

Ability

Aerial Acrobat

Long-billed Curlews can perform impressive flight displays and dives that help them defend their nesting territory.

Measurements & details

Length
50-65 cm
Wingspan
80-90 cm
Weight
0.6-1 kg
Lifespan
8-12 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
27-30 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

These birds use their super long, curved bill to dig for tasty insects and small critters!

Primary Foods

  • Crabs
  • Earthworms
  • Grasshoppers
  • Beetles
  • Small fish

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance so they feel safe and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Long-billed Curlew?

50-65 cm

What is Long-billed Curlew's wingspan?

80-90 cm

How much does Long-billed Curlew weigh?

0.6-1 kg

How long does Long-billed Curlew live?

8-12 years

How fast can Long-billed Curlew move?

70 km/h

What does Long-billed Curlew eat?

These birds use their super long, curved bill to dig for tasty insects and small critters!

Where is Long-billed Curlew usually found?

Wetlands

How does Long-billed Curlew hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Birds