Little Curlew
NameLittle Curlew
Common NameLittle Curlew
Scientific NameNumenius minutus
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)75
Length (cm)30.5
Weight (g)170
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are mottled brown with darker streaks and spots; underparts are pale buff to whitish with fine streaking on the breast and flanks. It has a distinct dark eye-stripe and a pale supercilium.
Vocalization / CallA soft, whistling 'too-ee' or 'chu-ee' call, often given in flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatstundra, grassland, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the taiga and tundra of Siberia, migrating south to winter primarily in northern and eastern Australia, with smaller numbers found in Southeast Asia.
Identifying Featuressmall size for a curlew, short, downcurved bill, streaky brown plumage, distinct head pattern with dark eye-stripe and pale supercilium
Description
The Little Curlew is a small, migratory shorebird characterized by its streaky brown plumage and a relatively short, downcurved bill. It typically forages in open habitats, probing for insects and other invertebrates.
