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
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Long-billed Curlew

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

9

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 to identify Long-billed Curlew?

The easiest way to identify Long-billed Curlew is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

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

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

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