Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris ferruginea (Pontoppidan, 1763)
CV
CURSA
5090
Family: Charadriiformes > Scolopacidae
A bit larger than a Dunlin, with a similarly down-curved bill, most records of this migratory wader are in the autumn.
This species breeds in northern Siberia and a small proportion of individuals migrate through Britain & Ireland to wintering grounds in western Africa. Autumn numbers are variable, and most of the records received through BirdTrack fall between August and early October. Birds present in July likely represent those whose breeding attempt has failed.
In winter it has a rather drab, grey appearance, but in summer dons an unmistakable brick-red dress that provides surprisingly good camouflage in its tundra breeding habitat.
Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Curlew Sandpiper
Identification
Curlew Sandpiper identification is sometimes difficult. The following article may help when identifying Curlew Sandpiper.
Identifying Sanderling and Curlew Sandpiper
In the UK in late Summer some may be daunted by the prospect of identifying individual species in frequent groups of small waders. The key to differing between many of these small, plump birds is to become accustomed with Dunlin first. In this Bird ID video we compare Sanderling and Curlew Sandpiper to their more well-recognised cousin.
Develop your bird ID skills with our training courses
Our interactive online courses are a great way to develop your bird identification skills, whether you're new to the hobby or a competent birder looking to hone your abilities.
Browse training coursesStatus and Trends
Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
| UK Birds of Conservation Concern | Amber listed |
| Species of European Conservation Concern | Vulnerable |
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Near Threatened 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | No |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | No |
|
Listed on the Annexes of
|
Bern(III), Bonn(II), AEWA |
POPULATION SIZE
We have no population estimates for this scarce species.
| BOU Category | A |
|
First Record
|
Kent, 1786 |
DISTRIBUTION
Curlew Sandpipers are most frequently reported while on autumn passage in July–October and are scarce in spring. Over half the occupied 10-km squares on the winter distribution map are late-autumn migrants recorded in November. The few records of true wintering birds are all from coastal marshes or estuaries.
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Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
| No. occupied in winter | 47 |
| % occupied in winter | 1.6 |
DISTRIBUTION CHANGE
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
| % change in range in winter (1981–84 to 2007–11) | +287.5% |
SEASONALITY
Curlew Sandpipers are regular passage migrant, mostly in autumn when numbers are swelled by returning juveniles.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Foreign locations of birds ringed or recovered in Britain & Ireland
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Curlew Sandpiper, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING
|
Number of Broods
|
? |
|
Egg Size
|
36×26 mm Weight = 12 g (of which 5% is shell) |
SURVIVAL & LONGEVITY
View number ringed each year in the Online Ringing Report
|
Maximum Age from Ringing
|
14 years 10 months 20 days (set in 2011)
|
BIOMETRICS
| Juveniles | 132.2±2.8 | Range 127-136mm, N=72 |
| Juveniles | 63.6±9.8 | Range 48.5–78.5g, N=67 |
Feather measurements and photos on featherbase
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
|
Ring size
|
B+ |
|
Field Codes
|
2-letter: CV | 5-letter code: CURSA | Euring: 5090 |
For information in another language (where available) click on a linked name
Research
Interpretation and scientific publications about Curlew Sandpiper from BTO scientists.
PUBLICATIONS (1)
Curlew Sandpipers on the Wash
Links to more studies from ConservationEvidence.com
- Rush cutting to create nesting patches for lapwings Vanellus vanellus and other waders, Lower Lough Erne RSPB reserve, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
- Is the density of redshank Tringa totanus nesting on saltmarshes in Great Britain declining due to changes in grazing management?
- Waterbird densities in south European rice fields as a function of rice management
Read more studies about Curlew Sandpiper on Conservation Evidence >
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