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Long-billed Curlew Identification

Long-billed Curlew Adult
Adult

Large, long-legged shorebird with a very long curved bill. Underparts are washed with a pale cinnamon color.

© Ian Davies | Macaulay LibraryGeorgia, September 28, 2016
Long-billed Curlew Adult
Adult

In flight, note rusty wing patches.

© Chris McCreedy - no playbacks | Macaulay LibraryArizona, January 11, 2017
Long-billed Curlew Adult
Adult

Uses its long, curved bill to probe into burrows or between rocks for crabs and shrimp, which it swallows whole.

© Timothy Barksdale | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 01, 1997
Long-billed Curlew Adult
Adult

Very long curved bill is distinctive. Note heavy football-shaped body, plain crown, and pale cinnamon wash on the belly.

© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 20, 2008
Long-billed Curlew Adult
Adult

Large, long-billed shorebird with cinnamon underwings.

© Jeff Dyck | Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, April 16, 2017
Long-billed Curlew Adult/immature
Adult/immature

Uses its long bill to probe into underground burrows for crabs and shrimp.

© Janet Rathjen | Macaulay LibraryTexas, August 22, 2015
Long-billed Curlew Habitat
Habitat

Breeds in areas with sparse, short grasses, including shortgrass and mixed-grass prairies as well as agricultural fields.

© Katelyn Luff | Macaulay LibrarySaskatchewan, April 15, 2017
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Adult Description

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

Immature Description

Similar to adult, bill shorter.
Relative Size

Relative Sizecrow sizedcrow-sized
Measurements
  • Both Sexes
    • Length: 19.7-25.6 in (50-65 cm)
    • Weight: 17.3-33.5 oz (490-950 g)
    • Wingspan: 24.4-35.0 in (62-89 cm)

Species in This Family

Sandpipers and Allies(Order: Charadriiformes, Family:Scolopacidae)

Upland SandpiperUpland Sandpiper
WhimbrelWhimbrel
Long-billed CurlewLong-billed Curlew
Hudsonian GodwitHudsonian Godwit
Marbled GodwitMarbled Godwit
Ruddy TurnstoneRuddy Turnstone
Black TurnstoneBlack Turnstone
Red KnotRed Knot
SurfbirdSurfbird
Stilt SandpiperStilt Sandpiper
SanderlingSanderling
DunlinDunlin
Rock SandpiperRock Sandpiper
Purple SandpiperPurple Sandpiper
Baird's SandpiperBaird's Sandpiper
Least SandpiperLeast Sandpiper
White-rumped SandpiperWhite-rumped Sandpiper
Buff-breasted SandpiperBuff-breasted Sandpiper
Pectoral SandpiperPectoral Sandpiper
Semipalmated SandpiperSemipalmated Sandpiper
Western SandpiperWestern Sandpiper
Short-billed DowitcherShort-billed Dowitcher
Long-billed DowitcherLong-billed Dowitcher
American WoodcockAmerican Woodcock
Wilson's SnipeWilson's Snipe
Wilson's PhalaropeWilson's Phalarope
Spotted SandpiperSpotted Sandpiper
Solitary SandpiperSolitary Sandpiper
Wandering TattlerWandering Tattler
Greater YellowlegsGreater Yellowlegs
WilletWillet
Lesser YellowlegsLesser Yellowlegs

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