Curlew

Numenius arquata

The curlew is the largest European wading bird, instantly recognisable on winter estuaries or summer moors with its long down-curved bill, brown upperparts and long legs.

There have been worrying breeding declines in many areas largely due to loss of habitat through agricultural intensification. It is included on the Amber List as a bird with important breeding and wintering populations in the UK.

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Discover more about the Curlew

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Related Species

Lapwing

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When to see?

Curlew are seen on the coast in large numbers during January, they can be seen inland on wetland, marshes and heath during the summer, between March and July, when breeding. Their display call is often heard before seen.

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Where to see

Curlews can be spotted on mud flats and coastal areas, foraging for food in the winter. Moorlands and wetlands are favored during the summer. 

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Did you know?

The name 'whaup' is an old Scottish name for a Curlew.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related Species

Lapwing

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see?

Curlew are seen on the coast in large numbers during January, they can be seen inland on wetland, marshes and heath during the summer, between March and July, when breeding. Their display call is often heard before seen.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Curlews can be spotted on mud flats and coastal areas, foraging for food in the winter. Moorlands and wetlands are favored during the summer. 

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

The name 'whaup' is an old Scottish name for a Curlew.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related Species

Lapwing

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see?

Curlew are seen on the coast in large numbers during January, they can be seen inland on wetland, marshes and heath during the summer, between March and July, when breeding. Their display call is often heard before seen.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Curlews can be spotted on mud flats and coastal areas, foraging for food in the winter. Moorlands and wetlands are favored during the summer. 

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

The name 'whaup' is an old Scottish name for a Curlew.

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