top of page

Eurasian Curlew

Numenius Arquata

Characteristics

dottedGridYellow
characteristicsIMG

The Eurasian Curlew, the largest wader in its range, measures 50–60 cm in length, with an 89–106 cm wingspan and weighs 410–1,360 g. It has a greyish-brown body, white back, greyish-blue legs, and an exceptionally long, curved bill. Males and females look alike, but adult females have the longest bills.

Habitat & Distribution

The Curlew is a migratory species which winters in Africa, South Asia and Southern Europe. They inhabit coasts, mudflats, marshes, and grasslands. In Europe, their population ranges from 405,000-553,000, found throughout the continent. Their population is declining due to habitat loss and disturbance.

dottedGridBlue
distributionMap

Threats

dottedGridGreen
threatsIMG

This species faces significant threats including habitat loss, elevated rates of egg and chick mortality resulting from agricultural practices, human disturbance, and the hazard of collision with power lines. In Belgium particularly collision with power lines cause a serious threat to the Eurasian Curlew.

Previous Species

Next Species

bottom of page