Curlew
Numenius arquata
Overview
Curlews have the best call. That bubbling. Moorland. Martindale. Foulshaw Moss. They're declining. Red list. The long curved bill. They probe for worms. Spring and summer. Listen for the call.
At a Glance
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Habitat | Moorland · Rough grassland · Blanket bog |
| Diet | Worms, insects. Long bill for probing. |
| UK population | Around 58,000 breeding pairs. Red list. Declining fast. |
| Lake District | Breed on moorland across the Lakes. That bubbling call. Martindale. Foulshaw Moss. They're declining. Worth seeking out. The call is the sound of the uplands. |
| Conservation | UK Red List |
Where to See It
Moorland and rough grassland. The fells, Foulshaw Moss, Martindale. That call. Unmistakeable.
Identification
Large wader. Long curved bill. Brown. That bubbling call. Unmistakeable.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Moorland. Spring. Listen for the call. They're ground-nesting. Stick to paths. They're declining. Enjoy them while they're here.
Conservation Status
UK Red List
This species is on the UK Red List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating serious concern about its population decline or unfavourable conservation status. Monitoring in the Lake District contributes to national population tracking.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.