Little Curlew

Overview

The little curlew, Numenius minutus, is a very small wader belonging to the family Scolopacidae. It is a strongly migratory species that breeds in the far north of Siberia and winters in Australasia.

Identification

• Mainly greyish-brown plumage with a white belly and underwings.
• Features a head pattern similar to a Eurasian whimbrel, including crown and superciliary stripes.
• Possesses a relatively short, curved bill compared to other curlews.
• Produces a repetitive whistle as its call.

Habitat

This bird breeds in loose colonies within forest clearings in river valleys. It winters inland on grassland, cultivation, or near fresh water, primarily in northern Australia but occasionally as far south as South Australia.

Diet

The little curlew feeds by probing soft mud to find small invertebrates.

Did you know?

The word 'curlew' is imitative of the Eurasian curlew's call, but may have been influenced by the Old French word for 'messenger'.