10 Facts about the Eurasian Curlew

Birdorable Eurasian Curlew

Here are ten facts about the Eurasian Curlew:

  • The Eurasian Curlew is the largest wading bird found in Europe;
  • In Scotland it is known as the "Whaup";
  • The birds can be found from central and southern Europe and Asia to parts of Africa;
  • Curlews are migratory, but are present all year in the milder climate of the British Isles and the adjacent European coasts;
  • Within its range the Curlew is most similar to the Whimbrel, but the latter is smaller and has a shorter bill that is less smoothly curved;
  • They eat mostly worms, crabs and invertebrates, which they find by touch using their long curved bill to probe soft mud;
  • Its name is derived from its 'curloo-oo' call;
  • The female is larger and has a longer bill than the male, but the different is not always distinct;
  • A group of curlews is called a "curfew", "salon", or "skein" of curlews;
  • The species is threatened due to loss and fragmentation of moorland and grassland habitats.

The Eurasian Curlew is the 360th bird species on Birdorable. Check out our Curlew t-shirts and gifts and other Birdorable Plovers & Shorebirds.

Birdorable Eurasian Curlew sample products

Comments

Emma on April 29, 2019 at 3:03 AM wrote:
I think that The Curlew is an awesome animal and I am so sad and angry that they are endangered!!! #somad
Emma on April 29, 2019 at 3:05 AM wrote:
Where do they live?
Hollie on November 2, 2020 at 11:48 AM wrote:
Curlews look so cool!!!!
Hayley on November 2, 2020 at 11:50 AM wrote:
Are they herbivores or omnivores?
Layla on November 2, 2020 at 11:56 AM wrote:
Hi
nigga on November 10, 2020 at 3:58 PM wrote:
nibb
Spurwing Plover on December 10, 2021 at 11:55 PM wrote:
And they can migrate and cover a long area from their Nesting Grounds to their Wintering Grounds
Spurwing Plover on June 17, 2022 at 7:32 AM wrote:
Eskimo Curlew

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