Birds diurnal

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

The Long-billed Curlew is a masterpiece of evolution, sporting a 'sickle-shaped' bill perfectly designed for deep-earth foraging. As North America's largest shorebird, its presence turns any prairie or coastline into a scene of prehistoric elegance.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 50-65 cm (20-26 in); Wingspan: 62-90 cm (24-35 in); Weight: 445-951 g (0.98-2.1 lbs)

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Colors

Mottled cinnamon-buff and brown plumage; distinctive bright cinnamon underwing linings; long, dull bluish-gray legs.

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Key Features

Extraordinarily long, thin bill curved sharply downward
Bright cinnamon underwing patches visible in flight
Large size with a long neck and small head
Lacks the bold head stripes seen on similar species like the Whimbrel

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6-10 AM, 3-6 PM (Tide-dependent in coastal areas)

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Season April-August (Grasslands); September-March (Coastal regions)

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Diet Insects like grasshoppers and beetles in grasslands; marine worms, crabs, and shrimp in coastal areas. They use their long bills to reach deep into burrows.

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Habitat Native shortgrass prairies and rangelands for breeding; coastal mudflats, salt marshes, and sandy beaches during winter.

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Behavior

The Long-billed Curlew is often nicknamed the 'sicklebird' due to its remarkable bill, which it uses with surgical precision to extract prey from deep within the mud or soil. During the breeding season on the western prairies, these birds are highly territorial and known for their haunting, rising 'cur-lee' calls that can be heard from great distances. They are ground-nesters, often choosing sites near cow pies or rocks to camouflage their eggs from predators.

In the winter months, they shift their social strategy, becoming more gregarious as they gather in large flocks along coastal estuaries and mudflats. While they are generally wary of human presence, they can become somewhat accustomed to people in areas where they are not harassed. Their flight is strong and direct, characterized by steady wingbeats that show off their warm, cinnamon-colored underwings.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Long-billed Curlew on a trail camera requires a strategic approach because these birds are often found in wide-open spaces where they can easily spot movement. For the best results in a grassland or backyard setting near their breeding grounds, place your camera at a very low height—no more than 6 to 12 inches off the ground. Aiming the lens horizontally across a flat expanse or a known lekking (display) area will provide an intimate, 'bird's eye view' of their foraging behavior.

Because Curlews are drawn to water in arid environments, a low-profile birdbath or a small solar-powered fountain can act as a natural lure. Position your camera about 5-8 feet from the water source to ensure the entire bird, including that massive bill, stays within the frame. If you are near a coastal area, timing is everything; set your camera near the high-tide line where the birds are pushed closer to the shore as the water rises. Use a fast shutter speed or 'burst mode' if your camera supports it, as their probing movements are surprisingly quick.

Settings-wise, prioritize a high trigger speed. The Long-billed Curlew is a large bird, but it moves with a steady, walking gait that can easily be missed by slower sensors. If your camera has a 'PIR' (passive infrared) sensitivity setting, turn it to high, as the bird's feathers provide excellent insulation and may not trigger sensors as easily as mammals. Lastly, avoid using a flash at night; while they are diurnal, a bright white flash at dawn or dusk can spook them from a preferred roosting or nesting spot. Use 'No-Glow' infrared if you need low-light coverage.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Long-billed Curlew.

Whimbrel

Smaller with a shorter bill and bold dark stripes across the crown and through the eye.

Marbled Godwit

Has a long bill that curves slightly upward rather than downward, and lacks the bright cinnamon wing linings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long-billed Curlews are primarily diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. In coastal regions, their activity is heavily influenced by the tides; they are most active when the receding tide exposes mudflats for foraging. In inland prairies, they are most vocal and active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Attracting a Long-billed Curlew is difficult unless you live adjacent to large, open grasslands or coastal mudflats. However, providing a low-to-the-ground water source or maintaining a chemical-free lawn (which encourages the large insects and earthworms they eat) can occasionally draw them in during migration.

Their diet varies by season. On their breeding grounds, they eat large insects like grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. During the winter on the coast, they use their long bills to probe deep into the sand for crabs, shrimp, and marine worms.

They are rarely found in dense suburban neighborhoods. They prefer wide-open spaces with high visibility to spot predators. However, you may see them on golf courses, large parks, or sod farms during migration if these areas mimic their natural grassland habitats.

The Long-billed Curlew is significantly larger and has a much longer bill that is cinnamon-colored at the base. Most importantly, the Long-billed Curlew lacks the dark 'eyestripes' and crown stripes found on the Whimbrel, and it has distinctive cinnamon-colored underwings.

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