One of the most distinctive shorebirds in the world, instantly recognizable by its long, downward-curved bill—the longest of any wader. This remarkable tool, which can be as long as a human hand, allows the curlew to probe deep into mud and sand for worms, crustaceans, and hidden invertebrates that most birds simply can’t reach. Its soft, brown-mottled feathers offer perfect camouflage in grassy wetlands, blending so seamlessly with the landscape that spotting one feels like discovering a well-kept secret of the marsh.
What sets the Eurasian curlew apart from its close relatives isn’t just its size—though it is the largest of all curlew species—but its combination of power and elegance. While other curlews may share the curved-bill shape, none match the Eurasian curlew’s impressive wingspan, which can stretch nearly a meter wide. This gives it a smooth, gliding flight that looks effortless even in strong coastal winds. Its bill shape is also more specialized than that of other species; females tend to have even longer bills than males, allowing pairs to split food resources by targeting different prey depths.
Beyond its physical traits, the Eurasian curlew is also known for behaviors that make it particularly interesting to observe. During breeding season, males perform dramatic “song flights,” soaring in wide arcs while producing a bubbling, cascading series of notes. This display isn’t just for show—it’s part love song, part territorial declaration, and entirely spectacular to witness. Curlews are also surprisingly loyal to their nesting areas, often returning to the same patch of meadow year after year. While many birds hide their nests, curlews rely on their camouflage and wide-open habitats, trusting distance and visibility more than concealment.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Andorra
Angola
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bosnia And Herz.
Botswana
British Indian T.
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
China
Comoros
Congo-Brazzaville
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Denmark
Djibouti
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Guam
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Korea
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Nort. Mariana Is.
North Korea
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Réunion
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Somalia
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Svalbard
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
São Tomé & Príncipe
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Turkey
UAE
Uganda
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
