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The word "curlew" is imitative of the Eurasian curlew's call, but may have been influenced by the Old French corliu , "messenger", from courir , "to run".
Not listed
At a glance
FamilySandpipers and Allies
SizeMedium
RarityUncommon
HabitatMudflats, saltmarsh, estuaries, beaches, lagoons, and shallow inland wetlands.
Best timeMost reliable in Northern Territory from October.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Bo Shunqi 薄顺奇
Range map
Range map
365visible hotspots
3100visible records
5states
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
Smallest of the Asian curlews, just larger than a snipe. Large eyes give this bird a gentle appearance. Paler and more warmly colored than other curlews, Little also lacks the pale rump of Eurasian and Far Eastern and lacks the strong facial stripes and longer bill of Whimbrel.
Behavior
Found in open fields, grasslands, and pastures and also on coastal mudflats during migration. Flight call a high-pitched, ringing “pipipi”, higher than Whimbrel’s.
Gallery