General

Far Eastern Curlew: Largest curlew with very long heavy bill, the longest of any shorebird. Dark brown with heavily streaked underparts. Sexes similar. Juvenile nearly identical to adult but streaking on underparts is finer.

Range and Habitat

Far Eastern Curlew: This species breeds in northeastern Asia and Siberia, wintering in Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea. It very rarely wanders to the Aleutian Islands and Pribilof Islands of Alaska and southwestern British Columbia in the spring. It is found along wetlands, beaches, lakeshores, and salt marshes.

Breeding and Nesting

Far Eastern Curlew: Nest built on mounds in open boggy areas or the marshy shores of lakes. Lays four brown marked, olive green eggs. Incubation ranges from 27-29 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Far Eastern Curlew: Slow, methodical probing in search of insect larvae, crabs, and clams. May also pick items from surface and eat berries in the fall.

Vocalization

Far Eastern Curlew: Produces a plaintive "cuu-ree."

Similar Species

Bristle-thighed Curlew and Whimbrel are smaller, with a shorter bills, and a dark eyelines.