Curlew
Numenius arquata
Length 53-58cm

Widespread year-round resident in Britain and Ireland with numbers boosted by influx of continental birds in winter months. The commonest large wader with a long, downcurved bill. Plumage mainly grey-brown with streaked and spotted underparts and pale belly. In flight, wings uniformly dark brown but shows white rump and wedge on lower back; tip of tail has dark, narrow barring. Breeds on damp grassland and moors, mainly in N and W. In winter, usually found on coasts, preferring estuaries and mudflats. Uses long, blue-grey legs to wade in deep water and bill to probe for worms. Utters curlew call and has bubbling song.