Curlew Vs Whimbrel: Key Differences Explained
Curlews and Whimbrels stand out as two of Europe’s notable wading birds, each having unique qualities that catch the eye of birdwatchers.
The large, grey Curlew, with its long beak, stands out from the smaller, brown and white Whimbrel, which is known for its haunting whistle calls.
In this article, we will look at their unique characteristics, from how they differ in appearance, nesting habits, and choice of habitats. Read on to learn what sets these birds apart.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Known as the largest wading bird in Europe, the Curlew features a long, downward-curved beak along with mottled brown and grey plumage.
- A series of seven whistles forms the eerie call of the Whimbrel.
- While both species create simple ground nests, Curlews tend to lay larger, speckled eggs, and Whimbrels often opt for nests in higher, sheltered areas.
- Whimbrels can be found in a variety of coastal areas, such as mudflats, beaches, and salt marshes.
What Is The Difference Between A Curlew And A Whimbrel?
Let’s take a closer look at the main differences between Curlews and Whimbrels, including their appearance, habitat, nests, eggs, calls, and size.
Visual Differences
The Curlew, known as the largest of the European wading birds, has a long, downward-curved beak and mottled brown and grey feathers, alongside its long legs.
Whimbrels, on the other hand, though similar in height, have a bill that curves only slightly near the tip. Their plumage is mostly brown on top and white on the bottom, with a white ‘V’ shape that can be seen on their backs during flight.
Slightly smaller than the Curlew, a Whimbrel has a wingspan of 71 to 81 cm and weighs between 270 and 450 g.
Whether in flight or at rest, the visual differences are highlighted by the Whimbrel’s dark crown and the pale stripe down its centre, along with a dark stripe around its eyes, which adds to its distinct profile.
Differences In Habitat
Whimbrels are found in the Arctic tundra, choosing open habitats that include wet lowlands and dry uplands for nesting. They often nest near the treeline or in sheltered spots like small shrubs or hummocks.
During migration, these birds go to various coastal areas, such as beaches, mudflats, and salt marshes to forage for food.
Their winter habitats include coastal meadows, estuaries, swamps, and sandy beaches, stretching from Greenland and Iceland to northern Scandinavia and Siberia, with some travelling as far south as Africa and South America.
Curlews, meanwhile, are often found along coastlines, favouring mudflats, salt marshes, and sandy beaches that provide good feeding grounds.
During the breeding season, they migrate to upland moorlands and grasslands suitable for nesting. Wetlands are very important for Curlews, especially in winter, as they offer plenty of food and nesting places.
They also venture into agricultural fields, particularly those with cereal crops, for feeding and sometimes nesting.
The Curlew’s habitat ranges across Europe and parts of Asia, adapting to conditions from the mild climates of the UK and Ireland to the colder regions of Scandinavia and Siberia.
Nests & Eggs
Both Curlews and Whimbrels create simple nests, but there are subtle differences in their nesting behaviours and the characteristics of their eggs.
Curlews make their nests by creating a shallow scrape in the ground, which they then line with bits of grass, leaves, and various plant materials. This construction is generally quick, often taking just a few days.
They usually begin laying eggs in April, with nests often complete by May. If the initial brood fails, it’s possible for them to attempt nesting again. The typical clutch for a Curlew holds four eggs, which are olive to greenish-brown in colour with darker speckles that help them blend into their surroundings.
These eggs require an incubation period of 27 to 29 days. Curlew chicks are precocial, making them mature and mobile soon after hatching, with their eyes opening almost right away. Fledging typically occurs between 32 to 38 days after hatching.
It takes Whimbrels about 1 to 3 days to build their nests, which are shallow scrapes lined with grasses or lichens. They prefer to nest in elevated areas like hummocks or small ridges, providing better visibility and protection from the wind.
Eggs are laid from May to August, typically in clutches of three to four. Whimbrel eggs are bluish-green to olive with brown marks, hatching after 22 to 28 days.
Like Curlews, Whimbrel chicks are precocial, opening their eyes and moving quickly, which is crucial for survival. Chicks fledge about 35 to 42 days after hatching, depending on their parents for food and protection in their early life.
Bird Calls
Whimbrels are known for their eerie call, a series of seven whistles that mark their presence, particularly along coastlines during migration.
This distinctive vocalisation is often heard as they search for invertebrates in the shallow waters of mudflats or wet sand, adding a unique sound to these areas during migration times.
On the other hand, the Curlew produces a captivating and haunting ‘cur-lee’ call, closely associated with the wet grasslands and coasts of the British countryside.
Most noticeable during their breeding season, this call plays an important role in the soundscape, resonating across the landscape and becoming a defining feature of these natural settings.
Size & Weight
Curlews are considered some of the larger shorebirds, typically weighing between 575 grams and 1,000 grams. The females are often larger than the males, with the size difference clear in their longer bills and heavier weight.
These birds measure about 50 to 60 centimetres long and have a wingspan from 80 to 100 centimetres, making them the largest waders in their habitats across Europe and Asia.
Whimbrels, by contrast, are smaller and lighter, a helpful trait that benefits them during their long migrations and while foraging in different environments, from Arctic tundras to tropical mudflats.
A typical Whimbrel weighs between 270 and 450 grams. In terms of size, they are medium to large for shorebirds, measuring around 40 to 46 cm in length and having a wingspan of approximately 71 to 81 cm.
This size makes them slightly smaller than Curlews but still larger than many other shorebirds, giving them agility in their different habitats.
SEE ALSO: Curlew Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)
Frequently Asked Questions
The key differences between a Curlew and a Whimbrel lie in their size, bill shape, and plumage. Curlews are larger with a long, downward-curving beak and have mottled brown and grey feathers. Whimbrels are slightly smaller, have a shorter bill that curves only near the tip, and display a brown and white plumage with a distinctive white ‘V’ shape on their backs during flight.
A Curlew can be identified by its large size, long legs, and especially its long, curved beak. It has a mottled brown and grey plumage and during flight, its size and distinctive bill shape are noticeable.
Whimbrels are known for their brown plumage on top with a white underside, and a slightly curved bill. They have a unique white ‘V’ pattern visible on their backs during flight. They are characterised by a dark crown and a pale stripe down the centre.
The sound of a Curlew is a distinctive and haunting ‘cur-lee’ call that resonates across wet grasslands and coastal regions where they are found. This call is particularly noticeable during their breeding season and is a defining feature of the soundscape in these natural habitats.
