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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: SCOLOPACIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

North America's largest shorebird, the Long-billed Curlew breeds in the grasslands of the Great Plains and Great Basin.

Read Cornell Lab of Ornithology's blog, Round Robin
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Appearance

Shorebirds
Shorebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large shorebird.
  • Extremely long, down-curved bill.
  • Buffy brown in color.
  • Plain crown.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, bill shorter.

Range Map Help

Long-billed Curlew Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

  • Whimbrel slightly shorter, with shorter bill, has distinct stripes on top of head, lacks cinnamon under the wings, and is more barred and less buffy.