What kind of bird is the Curlew? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. It is a bird that breeds in the inland areas from Northern Europe to Central Asia and can be seen over a fairly wide area of the Eurasian continent. However, despite living in such a wide area, it is designated as a near-threatened species.
What is Curlew? Basic Stats
The Eurasian Curlew is a species of bird classified in the family Scolopacidae, order Charadriiformes. Its scientific name is Numenius arquata, and its kanji is 大蝓鷸. Its total length is 50-60cm, its wingspan is 80-100cm, and its weight is 450-1,000g. A list of information is given below.
| Japanese（和名） | ダイシャクシギ |
| English（英名） | Eurasian Curlew |
| scientific name(学名) | Numenius arquata |
| classification（分類） | Aves、 Charadriiformes、 Scolopacidae、Numenius 鳥綱、チドリ目、シギ科、ダイシャクシギ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 50～60cm |
| Weight（体重） | 450～1,000g |
Taxonomy (phylogenetic classification)
Curlews are classified as follows:
| 階級 | 分類 |
|---|---|
| 界 | 動物界 (Animalia) |
| 門 | 脊索動物門 (Chordata) |
| 綱 | 鳥綱 (Aves) |
| 目 | チドリ目 (Charadriiformes) |
| 科 | シギ科 (Scolopacidae) |
| 属 | シャクシギ属 (Numenius) |
| 種 | ダイシャクシギ (Numenius arquata) |
Habitat
Curlews have a fairly wide distribution from Europe to Asia, breeding in inland areas from Northern Europe to Central Asia, and wintering in coastal areas from Western Europe to Africa, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia.
- Habitat in Japan
Observed as a migratory bird: Passes through in spring (April-May) and autumn (August-October)
Main habitats:
Tidal flats, estuaries, sandy beaches, and intertidal zones
Feeds in coastal shallows, marshes, and muddy areas of tidal flats
Wintering grounds:
Warm coasts such as the coast of Kyushu, the Seto Inland Sea, and the Ryukyu Islands
- Global distribution
Breeds from Europe to northern Asia
Wintering from Western Europe to northern Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia
Widely distributed, mainly in tidal flats, estuaries, and wetlands
- Habitat characteristics
Tidal flats with abundant mud and sand: Their long beaks are ideal for preying on small animals on the muddy bottom
Shallow waters and intertidal zones: Shallow water allows them to forage while walking
Although somewhat remote from human settlements:
Can be observed in open environments near tidal flats and estuaries
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
The curlew is characterized by its long beak and flies in during the spring and autumn migration seasons. Its feathers from its head to its wings have a fine brown mottled pattern, and it lives in tidal flats, wetlands, river mouths, lakes and other waterside areas. It sometimes forms mixed flocks with curlews, and they are symbiotic birds.
- Physical Characteristics
Body Length: Approximately 50-60 cm, Wingspan: 100-120 cm
Body Color:
Back is brown, with dark brown mottling on the wings.
The underbelly is light-colored, and the feather pattern stands out in flight.
Beak:
Very long and curved downward.
Specialized for preying on small animals by inserting it into mud or sand.
Legs/Feet:
Long and slender, with a structure that makes it easy to walk in mud or shallow water.
- Behavior/Ecology
Feeding Method:
On tidal flats or shallow waters, they insert their long beak into mud or sand to prey on small crustaceans and insects.
They are known for searching for food while walking.
Flight:
Wings shaped for long-distance migration.
They sometimes travel in flocks during migration.
Calls:
High-pitched, sharp calls that sound like “pee-pee” or “ke-ke-ke.”
Used for vigilance and communication on tidal flats and estuaries.
- Ecological Characteristics
Migratory Bird: Breeds in Northern Europe and Northern Asia, winters in Southern Europe, Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia
Flocking Behavior: May form flocks of several dozen to several hundred birds during migration and wintering grounds
Reproduction:
Builds ground nests in grasslands and marshes
Lays 2-4 eggs
- Appearance
Their distinctive, eye-catching behavior of digging their beaks into the mud on tidal flats makes them stand out.
With their long beaks and large bodies, they are impressive even among sandpipers.
Their spectacular flocks during migration are a sight to behold.
What is its ecology?
The curlew uses its long beak to prey on crabs and lugworms. It is monogamous and lives in pairs during the breeding season, has a territory, and makes a nest on the ground in grassland, laying about four eggs. Eggs often hatch in one month, and the chicks leave the nest in 40 to 45 days. They live for 10 to 20 years.
- Habitat
Live mainly in tidal flats, estuaries, shallow coastlines, and marshes.
Prefers muddy and sandy areas with abundant food.
Uses the Japanese coast, estuaries, and tidal flats as stopovers during migration.
- Behavior
Foraging:
They insert their long, curved beak into the mud or sand to prey on small animals (crustaceans, insects, earthworms, etc.).
They are known for walking along tidal flats in search of food.
Flight:
Fly in a straight line with wings adapted for long-distance migration.
They often travel in flocks.
Calls:
High-pitched, sharp calls such as “pee-pee” and “kee-kee.”
Used for vigilance and communication with peers.
- Breeding Habits
Breeding Areas: Wetlands and grasslands from Northern Europe to northern Siberia.
Nests: Built on the ground from grass and twigs.
Eggs: 2-4, brown with spots.
Parental Care:
Both parents incubate and protect the eggs.
Chicks develop on the ground and become independent within a few weeks.
- Migration
Migratory birds, arriving in Japan in the spring and fall.
Spring: Fly north from south to breeding grounds.
Autumn: Fly south after breeding, then travel to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia in winter.
Migratory flocks:
Sometimes they migrate in groups of several dozen to a hundred birds.
- Diet
Mainly small aquatic animals:
Crabs, shrimp, and other crustaceans.
Earthworms and insects found on tidal flats.
Feeding method:
Dig, insert, and explore the mud with their beak.
Forages primarily while walking on the ground.
Do they have any natural enemies?
The curlew’s natural enemies are crows and hawks.
About Curlpool Baby
This article provides information about Curlpool baby chicks. While they are large snipes, their development and nesting habits are quite unique.
- Eggs and Hatching
Number of Eggs: Usually 2-4
Egg Color: Light Brown with Spots
Incubation Period: Approximately 28 Days
Incubation: Usually Both Parents Take Turns
- Chick Appearance
Immediately After Hatching:
Feathers are still covered with soft down
Bak is short and soft
Eyes are open, but they are not yet able to fly
Development:
Feathers become firmer within a few days
Even young birds’ beaks gradually curve
- Life in and around the Nest
Nest Location: Marshes and grasslands from Northern Europe to northern Siberia
Behavior:
Wanders around under parental supervision, even a short distance from the nest
May search through mud and grass for small insects
Safety:
Parents keep a watchful eye on the surrounding area to hide from predators (crows, foxes, and birds of prey)
- Growth and Independence
Flight Ability: First flight 3-5 weeks after hatching
Feeding:
Although they are still fed by their parents, they begin to practice foraging for insects and small crustaceans on their own.
Independence:
They become almost independent by about one month of age.
They can also move independently.
- Interesting Points
Even young birds practice foraging behavior similar to their parents, digging their beaks into mud or sand.
Because they live on the ground, they develop walking ability quickly even after leaving the nest.
They grow up safely by coordinating with their parents’ vigilance behavior.
Is the Curlwind an endangered species?
The Curlwind is designated as a near-threatened species. The main reason for the decline in its population is the reduction and fragmentation of its habitat due to development. In Japan, some local governments have designated it as an endangered species.
- International Conservation Status (IUCN)
Scientific Name: Numenius arquata
IUCN Red List: NT (Near Threatened)
While widely distributed worldwide, populations are declining due to the loss of wetlands and tidal flats.
Habitat loss in Europe is particularly concerning.
- Status in Japan
Seen in Japan during spring and autumn migrations.
Some individuals spend the winter in the Ryukyu Islands.
While populations are stable, habitat loss due to development of tidal flats and estuaries is a concern.
Not listed as endangered on Japan’s Red List.
- Threats
Reclamation and development of tidal flats and wetlands.
Deteriorating water quality and reduced prey due to pesticides.
Impact of climate change on migration and breeding habitat.
Can you keep Curlwinds as pets?
Curlwinds are managed by the Ministry of the Environment under the Wildlife Protection and Management Act, and feeding them is prohibited.
- Wild Migratory Birds
The Curlew is a large sandpiper that lives in tidal flats and wetlands.
Due to its long-distance migrations, it requires a wide range of movement.
Crowded cages can lead to insufficient exercise, stress, and health problems.
- Difficulty of Raising
Factors: Reasons for Difficulty
Environment: They require muddy areas such as tidal flats and shallow waters, making it impossible to recreate their natural environment.
Diet: Small crustaceans, earthworms, and insects must be provided daily.
Migration Instinct: Because they have a desire to move during migration, caged captivity can be highly stressful.
Breeding: They nest on the ground in northern wetlands, making breeding at home impossible. - Legal Restrictions
In Japan, wild Scolopacidae birds are protected under the Wild Bird and Animal Protection Act.
Capturing or raising them without permission is illegal.
Keeping them with permission is permitted only in special research or conservation facilities.
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