Basic Description
The Long-billed Curlew, also known as Numenius americanus, is a large shorebird with a long bill. It measures around 23 to 26 inches in length and has a wingspan of about 36 to 42 inches. The bird’s plumage is mostly brownish-grey with darker feathers on its back and white underparts.
Where To Find This Bird
Long-billed Curlews are native to North America, ranging from southern Canada down to Mexico. They can be found in grasslands, prairies, and wetlands throughout the western United States.
Habitat
These birds prefer open habitats like grasslands or agricultural fields where there is abundant vegetation cover that they use for nesting or resting during migration. They also require marshes or shallow ponds nearby so they can feed on insects and other small prey.
Food
The Long-billed Curlew feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, crickets, centipedes but also eats small mammals like mice sometimes.They use their long bills to probe deep into the soil searching for food which makes them one of the few species that preys upon subterranean animals that live underground.
Cool Facts
One interesting fact about this bird is that it has one of the longest bills among all wading birds in North America. Its bill measures up to eight inches long which helps it catch prey buried deep beneath the soil surface.
Another fascinating thing about these birds is their breeding behavior; males perform an elaborate display flight at low altitude over potential nest sites while simultaneously making loud calls by flapping their wings causing air passing through wing feathers creating whistling sounds.
In conclusion,the Long-billed curlew’s unique feeding habits and habitat requirements make it an important part of many ecosystems. It is a beautiful bird that adds to the diversity of North American wildlife.
