The Eurasian curlew or common curlew (Numenius arquata ) is a wader in the large family Scolopacidae. It is one of the most widespread of the curlews, breeding across temperate Europe and Asia. In Europe, this species is often referred to just as the "curlew", and in Scotland known as the "whaup" in Scots.
The Eurasian curlew is the largest wader in its range, at 50–60 cm (20–24 in) in length, with an 89–106 cm (35–42 in) wingspan and a body weight of 410–1,360 g (0.90–3.00 lb). It is mainly greyish brown, with a white back, greyish-blue legs and a very long curved bill. Males and females look identical, but the bill is longest in the adult female. It is generally not possible to recognize the sex of a single Eurasian curlew, or even several ones, as there is much variation; telling male and female of a mated pair apart is usually possible however. The familiar call is a loud curloo-oo.
The only similar species over most of the curlew's range is the Eurasian whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus ). The whimbrel is smaller and has a shorter bill with a kink rather than a smooth curve. Flying curlews may also resemble bar-tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica ) in their winter plumages; however, the latter have a smaller body, a slightly upturned beak, and legs that do not reach far beyond their tail tips. The Eurasian curlew's feet are longer, forming a conspicuous "point.
The curlew is a migratory species over most of its range, wintering in Africa, southern Europe and southern Asia. Occasionally, however, a vagrant individual reaches places far from its normal range, such as Nova Scotia and the Marianas. It is present all year round in areas with milder climates, such as Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as on the adjacent European coasts.
The reclamation and drainage of marshy fields and moorland, as well as the afforestation of the latter, has led to local decreases. In contrast, the conversion of forest to grassland in some parts of Scandinavia has led to increases there.
The Eurasian curlew is generally wary. It is highly gregarious outside the breeding season.
The oldest recorded is a female 33 years and 8–9 months old, ringed on Brownsea Island in 1992 and breeding in the New Forest, seen still alive at the start of March 2026.
The nest is a bare scrape in a meadow or similar habitat. Curlews lay four eggs in April or May, and both adults incubate them for four weeks until they begin to hatch. Curlews tend to nest close to common kestrel nests as these can offer protection from other predators, such as corvids, even though kestrels also prey on curlew nests.
