Eskimo Curlew

The species Eskimo Curlew is possibly extinct.

This article is incomplete. This article is missing one or more sections. You can help the BirdForum Opus by expanding it.

Numenius borealis

Identification

30cm.

• Brown with white specks
• Cinnamon underwings

Distribution

Probably extinct. Bred Canadian Arctic; wintered to southern South America.

History

• In the 1800s, large numbers wintered in south-central South America, migrating via north-east North America and south on the Atlantic coast. Vagrants were recorded in Greenland and northern Siberia, also on the Falkland Islands. In the Western Palearctic vagrants were recorded from September to October in Ireland and Britain (last in 1887). Whether extinct or supported by an infinitesimally sized population, chance of future transatlantic vagrancy is virtually null.
• No authenticated records since the early 1960s. Thought by some to still survive in very small numbers, unconfirmed reports have continued into the 21st century - both on wintering grounds and along former migration routes. Virtually all of these reports relate to single birds, save one observer's unsupported claim to flocks numbering 20-150 individuals (citation needed).

Taxonomy

A monotypic species.

Habitat

Bred on Arctic tundra, otherwise on natural grassland or farmland.

Behaviour

The diet included insects such as grasshoppers.

External Links

Search for photos of Eskimo Curlew in the gallery

An authentic photograph and information is available here:

• Texas Parks and Wildlife: Eskimo Curlew