Eskimo Curlew

1. Bird Name
English Name – Eskimo Curlew
Scientific (Latin) Name – Numenius borealis

2. Appearance
The Eskimo Curlew is best known for its medium brown coloration, with dark streaks on the crown and back. Across its breast and flanks, it has lighter spots and streaks, while the belly portion remains a solid light color. The bird has a long, curved beak, ideal for digging into the ground for food. The eyes are a stark black, offering a stark contrast to the paler feathers surrounding it. There is little in the way of sexual dimorphism in this species, with males and females appearing quite similar in color and size.

3. Size
Measuring about 12–14 inches in length, the Eskimo Curlew falls in the medium-sized range for wader birds. The wingspan varies but can extend up to 32 inches. The bird typically weighs between 260-330 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Originally, the Eskimo Curlew was found in the far reaches of the North American Arctic during the breeding season and migrated to the pampas regions of South America for the winter. Its preferred habitat includes arctic tundra, grasslands, along shorelines, and open fields during migration.

5. Interesting Facts
The Eskimo Curlew is known for one of the longest migration routes of any bird, crossing North and South America twice a year. Interestingly, the Eskimo Curlew’s egg has a pointy end and round end, presumably to prevent it from rolling in the Arctic grasslands. Historically, the Eskimo Curlew has had a significant cultural influence on Native American tribes, providing a spiritual connection with the bounty of nature.

6. Diet
The diet of the Eskimo Curlew is predominantly composed of insects, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. During migration, it also feeds on berries and other botanical food sources.

7. Behavior & Sounds
The Eskimo Curlew flies in a zig-zag pattern when startled, and its call is a distinct ‘cour-lee’, which gets louder and more frequent in times of peril. The bird is famously sociable, traveling in vast flocks during migration and even nesting close together.

8. Conservation Status
As of now, the Eskimo Curlew is listed as Critically Endangered, and possibly extinct, by the IUCN Red List. The main cause of its dwindling numbers has been overhunting in the 19th and 20th centuries.

9. Lifespan
The lifespan of the Eskimo Curlew is not well documented, but like many similar wader species, it is believed to live up to about 15 years.

10. Additional Notes
The Eskimo Curlew is known as “Falaropo boreal” in Spanish. Human interaction with this bird has been historically negative, with overhunting leading to its critical status. As an insectivore, the Eskimo Curlew plays a role in controlling pest populations. Their near-extinct status is a potent reminder of the impact of human activity on wildlife populations.