The Far Eastern curlew is a large wader most similar in appearance to the long-billed curlew, but slightly larger. It is mostly brown, differentiated from other curlews by its plain, unpatterned brown underwing, and brown rump. It is not only the largest curlew but probably the world's largest sandpiper, at 60–66 cm (24–26 in) in length and 110 cm (43 in) across the wings. The weight is 390–1,350 g (0.86–2.98 lb), which is equalled by the Eurasian curlew; females are on average about 100 g heavier than males. The extremely long bill, at 12.8–20.1 cm (5.0–7.9 in) in length, rivals the bill size of the closely related long-billed curlew as the longest bill for a sandpiper. It overlaps in range with the eastern subspecies of the Eurasian curlew Numenius arquata orientalis, from which it is most easily told by its brown rump and lower back, rather than white.
Region
East Asian–Australasian Flyway
Typical Environment
Breeds in far eastern Russia and northeastern China in open wetlands such as marshy meadows, peat bogs, and wet grasslands near lakes and rivers. During migration it concentrates at large intertidal mudflats and estuaries, with the Yellow Sea a critical staging area. In the nonbreeding season it occurs mainly along coastal Australia and parts of Southeast Asia, frequenting tidal flats, mangroves, and sandbanks. It is most often found at or near the coast but can use inland wetlands on passage.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Far Eastern curlew is the world’s largest sandpiper, with an exceptionally long, decurved bill used to probe deep into soft mud for prey. Females typically have longer bills than males. It undertakes long migrations along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway and relies heavily on intertidal mudflats, especially in the Yellow Sea, where habitat loss has driven steep declines. It is listed as Endangered globally.
Far Eastern curlew in flight on its breeding grounds near Magadan in the far east of Russia. The brown rump is just visible.
Cairns Esplanade, Queensland, Australia
Temperament
wary but social in flocks outside the breeding season
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady, purposeful wingbeats; capable of long nonstop migratory flights
Social Behavior
Nonbreeding birds gather in sizable flocks and roost communally at high tide. On breeding grounds pairs defend territories in open wetlands and nest on the ground in a shallow scrape. Clutches are typically four eggs, and both parents attend the brood.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Calls are loud, fluty, and far-carrying, with evocative rising whistles and bubbling curlew phrases. Alarm calls are sharper and more urgent, often given in flight over feeding areas.
