Also known as: Common Curlew, Curlew, European Curlew, Western Curlew, Whaup
The Eurasian Curlew is a large species of wader with a very long bill. Eurasian Curlews range from central and southern Europe and Asia to parts of Africa. They are migratory.
Eurasian Curlews feed primarily on invertebrates. They find prey by touch, using their unique long, curved bills. Males and females have similar plumage, but females are much larger in size.
Eurasian Curlews are known simply as Curlew through much of their range. They breed in meadows and other flat scrubland-type habitat. They are named for their loud call, which sounds like they are yelling "curloo-oo-oo."
From IUCN Red List: The Eurasian Curlew is listed as Near Threatened
on the IUCN Red List and was last assessed in 2015 by BirdLife International. This widespread species remains common in many parts of its range, and determining population trends is problematic. Nevertheless, declines have been recorded in several key populations and overall a moderately rapid global decline is estimated. As a result, the species has been uplisted to Near Threatened; it almost qualifies for threatened under criteria A2bcd+3bcd+4bcd.
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 ... more
