Long-billed Curlew
NameLong-billed Curlew
Common NameLong-billed Curlew
Scientific NameNumenius americanus
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)80
Length (cm)57.5
Weight (g)650
Plumage DetailsOverall mottled brown plumage with buffy underparts. The back and wings are streaked and barred with dark brown. A distinctive cinnamon wash is often visible on the belly and underwing linings, especially in flight.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, clear, whistling 'cur-lee' call, often given in flight. It also produces a series of rapid, piping whistles.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the grasslands and prairies of western North America, from southern Canada through the central United States. Winters along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the United States and Mexico, and inland in parts of the southern U.S.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely long, strongly decurved bill, Large size for a shorebird, Mottled brown plumage, Cinnamon-colored underwing linings (visible in flight)
Description
The Long-billed Curlew is a large shorebird characterized by its exceptionally long, decurved bill, which it uses to probe deep into soil and mud for invertebrates. Its plumage is mottled brown, providing excellent camouflage in its grassland and wetland habitats.
