Large shorebird with long, decurved dark bill with limited pale base. Heavily streaked upperparts with lighter streaking on head, breast and sides. Whitish to buffy belly. Whitish underwings and very pale tail with thin barring. White patch on rump and lower back. Juvenile much browner overall with much shorter bill than adult. White rump and lower back, underwing coverts, and belly distinguish it from other curlews. Similar to the Eurasian subspecies of Whimbrel, but with cleaner, whiter underwings, longer bill, and more plain head.

Length: 54 (cm) Wingspan: 97 (cm)

Habitat:

Breeds near marshes, wet meadows and pastures. Otherwise found along muddy lake shores and coastal mudflats and beaches.

Behavior:

Often forms large flocks. Very noisy in flight. Picks at and probes for food as it strides through grass or mud.

Feeding:

Feeds on small crabs and invertebrates.