The bird that has a beak shaped like tongs is the curlew. Curlews are large shorebirds that have long, curved beaks that resemble a pair of tongs or tweezers. Their unique beaks allow them to probe into mud and sand to find food. There are eight species of curlews that can be found worldwide near coastlines, marshes, and grasslands. The most widespread curlew species is the Eurasian Curlew.
What is a Curlew?
Curlews belong to the family Scolopacidae and the genus Numenius. They are medium to large in size, ranging from 12 to 24 inches (30-60 cm) long with wingspans of 20 to 35 inches (50-90 cm). Their bodies are slender, their legs are fairly long, and their necks are curved.
Curlews are most easily identified by their exceptionally long, thin, downcurved beaks. The beaks of curlews can measure anywhere from 4 to 8 inches (10-20 cm) in length. This unique beak allows them to probe deep into soft ground to catch food. The ends of their beaks are sensitive and flexible enough to feel for and grab prey items hidden below the surface.
Characteristics of Curlews
– Slender, medium to large shorebirds
– 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) in length
– Wingspans of 20-35 inches (50-90 cm)
– Curved neck
– Very long, thin, downcurved bill (4-8 inches or 10-20 cm)
– Large eyes set high on the sides of the head
– Long greenish or grayish legs
Habitat and Range
Curlews are widespread throughout the world. They live in coastal habitats like beaches, estuaries, and mudflats. They also inhabit inland wetlands, flooded fields, and grasslands.
The Eurasian Curlew has the largest range of any curlew species. It breeds across Europe and Asia and migrates down to Africa, Australia, and New Zealand in the winter.
In North America, there are two common curlew species:
– Long-billed Curlew: Found in western states around wet meadows and grasslands during the breeding season. Winters along the coast from California to Mexico.
– Whimbrel: A smaller curlew that breeds in Canada and Alaska and migrates down the Atlantic coast of the U.S. and South America in winter.
Eurasian Curlew
The Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) is the most widespread and familiar curlew species around the world. With their exceptionally long beaks and loud, ringing calls, Eurasian Curlews are a distinctive sight on shorelines across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Identification
– Very large shorebird around 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) long
– Wingspan around 35 inches (90 cm)
– Has the longest beak of any curlew, up to 8 inches (20 cm)
– Beak curves smoothly downwards
– Streaked brown plumage on head, neck, and underparts
– Pale underwings
– Long greenish legs
Range and Habitat
Eurasian Curlews breed across northern Europe and Asia. They nest on the ground in marshes, bogs, wet meadows, and tundra environments.
In winter, they migrate south to coastal Africa, southern Australia, and New Zealand. They frequent estuaries, tidal mudflats, beaches, and wet grasslands.
Diet
The Eurasian Curlew uses its long, sensitive beak to hunt for food beneath the surface. It probes deeply into soft, wet ground seeking out crabs, shrimp, worms, mollusks, and other invertebrates. At times, it will also pick plant material, seeds, and berries from the surface and even chase after small rodents.
Behavior
Eurasian Curlews are social birds that gather in large flocks, especially during migration and wintering. Their loud, evocative call, sounding like “cour-lee,” gives them their name and can be heard ringing across their habitat.
During breeding season, adults become territorial and aggressive around nesting sites. Nesting pairs may even attack unwanted intruders with their sharp beaks.
Eurasian Curlew Facts | |
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Scientific Name | Numenius arquata |
Length | 50-60 cm (20-24 in) |
Wingspan | 90 cm (35 in) |
Weight | 550-1,100 g (1.2-2.4 lbs) |
Lifespan | 10-20 years |
Habitat | Coastlines, wetlands, grasslands |
Range | Breeds- Northern Europe and Asia. Winters- Coastal Africa, Australia, New Zealand |
Long-billed Curlew
The Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) is a large shorebird that inhabits grasslands in western North America. They are distinguished by their exceptionally long, curved beaks.
Identification
– Very large shorebird around 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) in length
– Wingspan of around 30 inches (75 cm)
– Has a long, gracefully curved beak that measures 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
– Cinnamon-colored plumage with bold streaking on underparts
– Distinguished in flight by cinnamon wing lining
– Long bluish legs
Range and Habitat
Long-billed Curlews breed in grasslands and wet meadows across western North America. Their range stretches from southern Canada throughout many western states in the U.S.
During the winter, they migrate to coastal areas from California to Mexico. They are found in estuaries, wetlands, and agricultural fields.
Diet
The Long-billed Curlew uses its specialized beak to probe deep into grassland habitats, hunting for insects, worms, small rodents, amphibians, and eggs. It also forages on berries and seeds at times.
Behavior
While wintering curlews gather in large flocks, during breeding season they spread out and establish large territories. Their loud, ringing “cur-lee” call advertises their territory.
Both male and female Long-billed Curlews incubate the eggs and care for the precocial young. The chicks are able to feed themselves soon after hatching.
Long-billed Curlew Facts | |
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Scientific Name | Numenius americanus |
Length | 45-60 cm (18-24 in) |
Wingspan | 75 cm (30 in) |
Weight | 550-1,150 g (1.2-2.5 lbs) |
Lifespan | 10 years |
Habitat | Grasslands, meadows, coastal regions |
Range | Breeds- Western North America. Winters- California to Mexico. |
Whimbrel
The Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) is a small, stocky curlew species common along the coasts of North America. They have a distinctive short, curved beak.
Identification
– Medium-sized curlew around 17 inches (43 cm) long
– Wingspan around 29 inches (75 cm)
– Shorter beak than other curlews, curved downwards around 4 inches (10 cm) long
– Bold head stripes
– Plumage with buffy and dark brown streaking
– In flight, shows pale underwings with a dark stripe along leading edge
Range and Habitat
Whimbrels breed in wetlands and tundra across Alaska, Canada, and subarctic islands. During winter, they migrate down the Atlantic coast of North America and south to Chile and Argentina. They frequent beaches, mudflats, marshes, and fields.
Diet
Whimbrels use their downcurved beak to probe into mud or pick prey from the surface. They feed on insects, worms, crabs, mollusks, berries, and seeds.
Behavior
During breeding season, nesting Whimbrels become very territorial and aggressive, loudly advertising their territory. They may attack intruders with swooping flights and jabbing with their beak.
Whimbrels migrate in flocks and winter in large communal roosts. Their flocks utter constant low whistling calls.
Whimbrel Facts | |
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Scientific Name | Numenius phaeopus |
Length | 16.5–17.7 in (43 cm) |
Wingspan | 29.5 in (75 cm) |
Weight | 12.3–26.5 oz (350–750 g) |
Lifespan | 12 years |
Habitat | Coastlines, wetlands, grasslands |
Range | Breeds- Northern North America. Winters- Coasts of North and South America. |
Unique Adaptations of Curlews
Curlews have several key adaptations that allow them to thrive in their environments:
Specialized Bill Shape
The most obvious adaptation of curlews is the unique shape of their long, curved bills. The downcurved shape and tactile, flexible bill tips allow curlews to probe deep into mud and subsurface soils to find hidden prey with their touch. Their bills can penetrate much more deeply than straight shorebird bills.
Large Eyes
Curlews have very large, prominent eyes set high on the sides of their heads. This gives them excellent vision both forward and to the side so they can spot prey items and predators over a wide field of view as they feed with their beak in the mud.
Cryptic Coloration
Curlews have earth-toned plumage marked with streaks and mottles of brown, buff, and grey. This provides camouflage for them in their open habitats near shorelines and grasslands, helping the birds blend in while nesting.
Long Legs
Curlews have relatively long legs for wading and walking steadily through mud and wet soils. Their long legs also help elevate the body and eyes higher above vegetation for better visibility when hunting prey.
Threats and Conservation
Many curlew species are struggling with declining and threatened populations worldwide due to:
Habitat Loss
Draining of wetlands and development along coastlines has reduced habitat for curlews. They have also faced decreasing grasslands and prairie nesting habitats.
Predators
Raccoons, skunks, foxes, gulls and other predators may raid curlew nests. Curlews face high predation pressure, especially where habitats bring them near predators.
Hunting
Some curlew species were historically hunted for food and sport. While most hunting has been banned, illegal shooting still threatens curlews in some regions.
Disturbance
Increasing human activity near shorelines may disturb nesting and roosting curlews, affecting their energy balances and breeding success.
Protecting coastal wetlands, grassland habitats, and breeding grounds is key to conserving curlew populations. Public education and enforcing hunting regulations also help curlews persist.
Conclusion
Curlews are fascinating large shorebirds identifiable by their extremely long, curved bills. These bills are perfect adaptations for probing into mud and soils to catch food. The Eurasian Curlew has the widest range across Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. The Long-billed and Whimbrel species inhabit grasslands and coasts across North America. Curlews face threats from habitat loss and disturbance, requiring conservation measures to preserve populations of these unique birds into the future. With their graceful shapes, loud calls, and incredible bills, curlews remain icons of shorelines across the world.