Numenius tahitiensis
The Bristle-thighed Curlew (Numenius tahitiensis) is a captivating shorebird renowned for its epic transoceanic migrations across the Pacific. A large curlew, it measures approximately 40-48 cm in length with a wingspan of 79-89 cm and typically weighs between 400-600 grams. Its plumage is a warm buffy-cinnamon, heavily streaked on the crown, neck, and breast, contrasting with largely unstreaked lower flanks, a key identification feature. The most distinctive, though often hard-to-see, field ...
Breeding occurs on the open, sparsely vegetated arctic tundra of western Alaska, typically in low-lying areas near wetlands. During the non-breeding season, they inhabit tropical sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, coral reefs, and intertidal lagoons across numerous Pacific islands at sea level.
On breeding grounds, their diet primarily consists of insects such as beetles, cranefly larvae, and spiders, supplemented with berries. During winter, they consume a wide variety of marine invertebrates, including crabs, mollusks, marine worms, and sea cucumbers, often obtained by flipping over r...
Bristle-thighed Curlews are primarily diurnal foragers, often seen actively searching for food during low tide, though they may also forage at night. They employ a distinctive foraging strategy, probing deeply into sand and mud, but are also known for turning over stones, coral fragments, and sea...
The Bristle-thighed Curlew breeds exclusively in western Alaska, primarily within the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and on the Seward Peninsula, favoring the low-lying, sparsely vegetated arctic tundra. Following the breeding season, they undertake a monumental transoceanic migration across the vast Paci...
Vulnerable
- This curlew undertakes one of the longest known non-stop migrations of any bird, flying thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean without rest. - Its common name comes from unique, stiff, bristle-like feather shafts found on its lower flanks and thighs, though these are often difficult to obs...