Numenius madagascariensis
The Far Eastern Curlew, Numenius madagascariensis, is the world's largest shorebird, a truly magnificent wader instantly recognizable by its immense, strongly decurved bill. Measuring between 50 to 69 cm (20-27 in) in length with a wingspan of 89 to 106 cm (35-42 in) and weighing 500 to 1100 grams, females are notably larger with longer bills than males. Its plumage is predominantly streaked brown, often appearing warm rufous-brown on the underparts, with a paler belly and a distinctive strea...
This species primarily inhabits extensive coastal mudflats, estuaries, and sandy beaches during its non-breeding season. During breeding, it favors wet grassland, marshy tundra, and boggy areas, often near freshwater bodies, at low to moderate elevations.
Their diet consists mainly of marine invertebrates such as crabs, mollusks, polychaete worms, and small crustaceans, obtained by deep probing in soft substrates. On breeding grounds, insects and berries may also be consumed.
Far Eastern Curlews are primarily diurnal, foraging actively during low tide and roosting communally in large flocks at high tide, often forming impressive congregations on coastal spits or islands. Their primary foraging strategy involves systematically probing their exceptionally long, decurved...
The Far Eastern Curlew breeds across a broad expanse of northeastern Asia, specifically in the boggy grasslands and marshy tundra of eastern Siberia, parts of Mongolia, northeastern China, and the Russian Far East. Post-breeding, these birds undertake a remarkable long-distance migration along th...
Endangered
- The Far Eastern Curlew possesses the longest bill relative to its body size among all shorebirds, perfectly adapted for probing deep into mudflats. - It is the largest species of curlew and the largest shorebird in the world, with females often reaching nearly 70 cm (27.5 in) in length. - These...