The Curlew
Curlew Numenius arquata L 56. Breeds fairly commonly on extensive, dry coastal dunes, lowland fields and pastures, moors and open bogs. On migration and in winter on open mudflats and shores and on coastal fields. Large as Common Gull in body e d wings. Slender and tall, long downcurved bill (female has a noticeably longer bill than male, juvenile has relatively short bill. Drably mottled grey-brown with whitish wedge-shaped rump. Lacks eye-stripe and crown-stripes of Whimbrel, only faint suggestion is discernible. In display flight makes steep fluttering climb (silently), then glides down with 'gloomy', restrained 'ooOHP, oo-OHP. . . ' notes which gradually rise in pitch and tempo and merge into clear, full, exultant, rhythmically rippling trill. Fairly shy. Alarm call intense, rather hoarse 'KWUwuwuwu'. Wingbeats composed, the neck retracted, in flight at a distance recalls Common Gull. Call a far-carrying, melodic, drawn-out whistle, 'KUur-lee', on migration a more eager 'KUee-KUee-KU H'. RSWP
An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising
birds is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain
and Europe, which is a comprehensive reference
guide to Britain and mainland Europe's plethora
of ornithological life.
