Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)
 
Status in the Checklist Area - (4) - Accidental
     
 
Information

Long-billed curlews are listed as a Species at Risk in Canada. The population in B.C. is estimated to be about 500 birds. They breed in Central B.C. in grasslands and migrate south to the southern States and into Costa Rica. Migration is the best time to see these amazing birds as they fly through our area. Currently, all records for our area are from April and early May. Check agricultural fields with short grass or dirt areas with some shallow pools. They are our largest shorebird, with a body size near a crow's. Their amazingly long bills can be up to 9 inches in length. Females generally are larger with longer bills than males and young birds.

 

Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)

     
Noteworthy Data
 
Date
Location
Source(s)
Comments
21 April 2009 Banford Rd, Chilliwack J. Osterhold Feeding in dirt field. Seen also on 23 April, 2009. Possibly same bird as 12 April 2009.
12 April 2009 Gallanders Rd, Chilliwack B. Maljaars Flew out from field.
27 April 2006 Leary School, Chilliwack J. Overduin Two feeding in field. Last seen on 28 April 2006.
07 May 2003 Bell Road, Abbotsford B. Schmor Spotted in farmer's field.
18 April 2000 Sumas Central Rd, Chilliwack G. Gadsden Feeding in recently ploughed field. Flew after an hour in a southwesterly direction.
 
Photographs
           
               
                   
                   
                   
Audio and Video    
None available.
 

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