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This very large curlew wields a remarkable scimitar-like bill, used to extract invertebrates from deep burrows.
Critically Endangered
Indigenous: Eastern Curlew
At a glance
FamilySandpipers and Allies
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatCoastlines, harbours, offshore waters, estuaries, headlands, beaches, and large inland water when conditions suit.
Best timeReported across most months in Queensland, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Lim Ying Hien 林勇贤
Range map
Range map
1193visible hotspots
79222visible records
6states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Typically found in small to mid-sized groups on expansive mudflats. Similar to Eurasian Curlew, but Far Eastern is far more warmly colored, with a light brown (not white) rump and heavily marked underwings, unlike the unmarked white underwings of Eurasian.
Behavior
Calls similar to Eurasian but deeper in tone.
Gallery