The Long-Billed Curlew
Source: All information presented here is from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.Sound: The call of the long-billed curlew is a harsh whistled "cur-lee," rising on second note. Also a rapid whistled "kli-li-li-li."
Conservation Status: Populations declined drastically in the 1800s. These populations are currently stable or slightly declining.
The long-billed curlew is considered "vulnerable" in Canada and "highly imperiled" by the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan because of declines and threats to both breeding and wintering areas.
Did You Know?
 |
• Both the male and female incubate the eggs, and both are
aggressive in defense of nests and young. • The female typically abandons the brood two to three weeks after hatching and leaves brood care to her mate. • The same male and female often pair with each other again the next year. • Its bill is best adapted for capturing shrimp and crabs living in deep burrows on tidal mudflats (its wintering grounds) or burrowing earthworms in pastures. • The female Long-billed Curlew's bill is flatter on top with a more pronounced curve at the tip. • The male’s bill is gently curved throughout its length. • The juvenile's bill is distinctly shorter than the adults' during its first few months, but it may be equal to the male's length some time in its first year. |
Website constructed and
maintained by Jesse Rasmussen