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Field Guide for all the Birds of North America

Curlews

Courlis

Scolopacidae

Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities

North American Bird Search Box

At one time there were three native types of curlews found in North America. These are the Bristle-thighed Curlew whose range is in Alaska only, the Eskimo Curlew that was once seen in the far northeastern regions of the continent but unfortunately the Eskimo Curlew has not been seen since the 1960s and is probably extinct. The Long-billed Curlew is the largest shorebird found in North America and whose range is in the central regions of the continent leaning towards the western coast.

The curlews are recognized by their long downturned bills and are seen in fields and mudflats where they are able to feed by picking up insects or by probing into the mud for their prey. These different types all have similar brown plumage and grey legs. The Whimbrel is another large shorebird that is quite similar to this group.

Click on the bird names listed below to see pictures of the Curlews seen in North America

Bristle-thighed Curlew

Eskimo Curlew

Eurasian Curlew

Far Eastern Curlew

Little Curlew

Long-billed Curlew

Slender-billed Curlew

Whimbrel (American)

Whimbrel (Eurasian)

References to Other Bird Sites:

Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.

ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.

I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.

Classic Collection of North American Birds

CCNAB