Habitat
In the breeding season, bog-forest transition zones. In non-breeding season, saltmarsh, steppe grassland, fishponds, saltpans, brackish lagoons, tidal mudflats, semi-desert, brackish wetlands and sandy farmland next to lagoons.
Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) [XC403647]
by Adam Gretton from Merja Zerga NP, Morocco (flight call)
Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) [XC398794]
by id from Merja Zerga NP, Morocco (flight call)
Nest
Composed of dry grass with a few leaves of rush Scirpus but little or no sedge, situated on dry areas of sedge and bog moss. Probably in small colonies. Used to form large flocks but the species is so rare this is no longer the case.
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
Larger. Bill is thicker, longer and more decurved and lacks a fine tip. Flanks are covered in chevrons and not spots and streaks. Underwing is generally less patterned. Legs are paler.
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
Slightly larger. Has a longer, thicker, more decurved bill. Underparts are darker. Has a pale median crown stripe. Tail lacks dark barring.
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