Far Eastern Curlew

Scientific Name: Numenius madagascariensis
Malay Name: Kendi Besar Timur
Chinese Name: 大杓鹬

Range:
Breeding Range: East and South-east Siberia, North-east China. Wintering mainly in Australia.

Taxonomy:
Monotypic.

Size: 60-66 cm

Identification:
A large wader similar to the Eurasian Curlew, but larger and longer billed and appears more uniform with browner/buffier underparts. In flight shows uniform light brown back and rump and heavily marked underwings.

Similar looking species: Eurasian Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew

Habitat: Mudflats and sandflats.

Behaviour/Ecology: Generally congregates in large flocks to migrate or roost but may feed alone. Feeds mainly by probing for invertebrates from deep burrows. 

Local Status: Very rare vagrant

Conservation Status: Endangered (BirdLife International 2017)

Featured articles:

• Bird List Revision for May 2019 (Revisions)

Past accepted records in our database:

Past records, bar chart (see more bar charts):

Far Eastern Curlew at Bali. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Far Eastern Curlew at Bali. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Far Eastern Curlew at Bali. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Far Eastern Curlew at Bali. Photo Credit: Francis Yap