summer

summer winter European distribution late summer

Identification

In summer plumage the Curlew Sandpiper is strikingly red, like a small long-billed Knot, and many of the birds seen in Britain in spring or autumn show traces of this. However, the majority of Curlew Sandpipers seen here are juveniles in autumn which are most similar to Dunlin but are taller, longer-legged, longer-tailed and longer-billed. Plumage-wise, notice the long white eye stripe, the delicately scaly upperparts and the peachy flush on the breast, all good field marks. In winter plumage though, birds have to be identified by their shape and more elegant jizz. In flight, identification is easy because this is the only European Dunlin-like wader with a broad white rump enclosed by a neat solid-black tail.

Habitat

Occurs on passage at coastal lagoons, mudflats and sandy beaches.

Migration

Birds mostly winter in tropical Africa and more rarely in Israel and Egypt, passing through Europe from their Siberian breeding grounds. Occasional birds winter in western Europe.

This information is taken from the BirdFile on the appropriate BirdGuides DVD-ROM. As well as video and sounds, our CD- and DVD-ROMs contain additional text on Voice, Sexing, Ageing, Food, Nests and Eggs and more.

For the purposes of our bird news services, Curlew Sandpiper is classed as Local: generally fairly regular or common species that a 'county lister' or a birding beginner might be interested in going to see. (Note that rarity levels are currently applied nationally and may not reflect local variations in abundance.)

Draycote Wtr, Warks 01/09/2010	Fairburn Ings, W Yorks 02/09/2010	Draycote Wtr, Warks 01/09/2010	Fairburn Ings, W Yorks 02/09/2010	Tullyhill, Down 01/09/2010
Draycote Wtr, Warks 01/09/2010	Kessingland, Suffolk 30/08/2010	Saltholme RSPB, Cleveland 31/08/2010	Broadford Bay, Skye, Highland 31/08/2010	Instow, Devon 30/08/2010

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	Curlew Sandpipers	Friday 16th July 2004
	A stunning summer-plumaged Curlew Sandpiper can be a captivating sight for anyone on an early autumn day out.

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