| Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) (Linnaeus, 1758) |
| Other names: Common Curlew |
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Numenius arquata breeds across temperate Eurasia, from the British Isles to eastern Siberia. It winters along the coasts of Western Europe, in the Mediterranean, Africa, and subtropical and tropical Asia. Eurasian Curlew breeds in peat bogs, fens, grassy meadows, coastal marshes, and fallow fields; up to 800 m; outside of the nesting season on tidal mudflats, salt marshes, coastal meadows, pastures, and arable lands. Most populations are migratory; arrive on the breeding grounds in April-May, and depart as early as July. Large shorebird (50-60 cm in length; weight 410-1,360 g) with a long, curved bill; greyish-brown with dark streaking; white rump; greyish-blue legs. N. arquata nests in pairs or loose colonies, sometimes with other shorebirds. The nest is a shallow depression lined with dry vegetation and feathers. Clutch 3-4 eggs; incubation 26-30 days; chicks are precocial. This species feeds on earthworms, insects, spiders, crustaceans, molluscs, and berries; occasionally small vertebrates. Global population estimated in 800,000-1,300,000 individuals in the mid-2000s; recently declined in Western Europe, mainly due to loss of nesting habitat.
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