Scientific Name:
Numenius arquata
Common Name:
Curlew
Family:
Sandpiper: Scolopacidae
Summary:
The Curlew is a large wading bird. The bill is distinctive being very long, thin and slightly curved downwards. It is evenly streaked with brown and black markings and has no obvious eye stripe. The underparts are paler than the back and wings. The legs are long and dark green in colour.
Ecology:
The Curlew feeds on invertebrates in the silty sediment of estuaries and marshes where it gathers in large flocks.
Habitat:
Estuaries and marshland.
Distribution:
Resident all year in Ireland and East England. Widespread around coasts in winter, further inland in summer particularly in the north.
Size:
55 cm