Numenius madagascariensis (Eastern Curlew)
The Eastern Curlew is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ in Australia under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and is listed as a Priority Species under the Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032
SPRAT profile: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=847
It is Australia’s largest shorebird and a long-haul flyer. It is easily recognisable, with its long, down-curved bill. It takes an annual migratory flight to Russia and north-eastern China to breed, arriving back in Australia in August to feed on crabs and molluscs in intertidal mudflats. It is extremely shy and will take flight at the first sign of danger.
Gallery
Regional distribution
Numenius madagascariensis is listed in the following regions: