Far Eastern Curlew

Identification

The Far Eastern curlew is the world's largest sandpiper and probably the largest curlew, measuring 60–66 cm in length with a wingspan of 110 cm. It is most similar in appearance to the long-billed curlew but slightly larger. The plumage is mostly brown, with a distinctive plain, unpatterned brown underwing and brown rump—the latter being the most reliable field mark to distinguish it from the closely related Eurasian curlew, which has a white rump and lower back.

The bird's most striking feature is its extremely long, decurved bill, measuring 12.8–20.1 cm, which rivals the long-billed curlew as the longest bill for any sandpiper. Weight ranges from 390–1,350 g, with females averaging about 100 g heavier than males.

Range & Habitat

The Far Eastern curlew breeds across northeastern Asia, from Siberia and Kamchatka through Mongolia, favouring marshy and swampy wetlands and lakeshores. Most individuals migrate to coastal Australia for the non-breeding season, though some winter in Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, New Zealand, southern China, and Taiwan. During migration, birds make stopovers on the mudflats of the Yellow Sea and along Japanese coasts.

In winter, the species occupies estuaries, beaches, and salt marshes. Its breeding habitat consists of wetlands and lakeshores across a vast range of northeastern Asia.

Behaviour & Diet

The Far Eastern curlew uses its long, decurved bill to probe for invertebrates in mud. Although it may feed solitarily, it generally congregates in large flocks for migration and roosting. Its call is a sharp, clear whistle—cuuue-reee—often repeated. On breeding grounds, the species consumes insects including beetle and fly larvae, and amphipods. During migration, it also feeds on berries.

In the non-breeding season, the diet shifts to marine invertebrates, with crabs and small molluscs preferred, though other crustaceans and polychaetes are also taken.

Best Time & Places to See It

For travellers in Australia, the non-breeding season offers the best opportunity to observe this species. Coastal estuaries, beaches, and salt marshes throughout Australia are prime locations. Birdwatchers visiting the Yellow Sea region during migration periods may encounter flocks at mudflats in this critical stopover zone. The species is also present in smaller numbers in Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, New Zealand, and parts of China and Taiwan during winter months.

Photography Tips

The Far Eastern curlew's large size and distinctive brown rump make it a rewarding subject for nature photographers. The best light for capturing detail is during early morning or late afternoon. The bird's habit of feeding in flocks and congregating at traditional roosting sites provides opportunities for both individual portraits and flock composition shots. The long, curved bill and overall proportions are distinctive features worth emphasizing in photographs. Coastal locations during the non-breeding season in Australia offer the most reliable viewing and shooting opportunities.