Curlew Numenius arquata L 53-58cm. Large, distinctive wader with a long, downcurved bill. Call is evocative of lonely, windswept uplands during spring and summer, and coasts in winter. Sexes are similar although male has shorter bill than female. Adult has mainly grey-brown plumage, streaked and spotted on neck and underparts; belly is rather pale. Juvenile is similar but it looks overall more buffish brown, with fine streaks on neck and breast and appreciably shorter bill. Voice Utters a characteristic curlew call and bubbling song on breeding grounds. Status Locally common breeding species on N and upland habitats. Almost exclusively coastal outside breeding season.
{}