Where does the Curlew Sandpiper live?
Calidris ferruginea
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Open the appThe Curlew Sandpiper lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Tundra (breeding), coastal wetlands, estuaries, mudflats, saltmarshes, lagoons (non-breeding and migration).
Geographic range
Breeds in Arctic Siberia (Taimyr Peninsula eastward to Chukotka). Migrates through Europe, Asia, and Africa. Winters extensively in coastal Africa, southern Asia, and Australasia.
Preferred environments
During migration and winter, prefers sheltered coastal areas with extensive intertidal mudflats, sandy beaches, and shallow brackish lagoons. Breeding habitat is wet Arctic tundra, often near pools and marshes.
Elevation range
Typically found at sea level in non-breeding areas; breeds in low-lying tundra.
Where to look
Coastal Mudflats and Estuaries
These are prime locations during migration and in wintering grounds, especially where there are extensive areas of soft, invertebrate-rich mud.
Saltmarshes and Lagoons
Shallow, brackish water bodies and associated marshy areas are also favored habitats outside the breeding season.
Arctic Tundra
During the breeding season, they are found in wet, low-lying tundra with numerous pools and marshes in Arctic Siberia.
Field tips
- Scan Wader Flocks. Curlew Sandpipers often associate with other small waders like Dunlin. Carefully scan mixed flocks for the distinctive bill shape and, in breeding season, the red plumage.
- Check Tidal Areas. Visit coastal sites during falling or rising tides, as this exposes mudflats where they feed. They are often found at the water's edge.
- Listen for Calls. Their distinctive 'chirrup' call can often alert you to their presence, especially when they are flying overhead or are hidden by vegetation.
- Observe Feeding Behavior. Their deep-probing, 'sewing machine' feeding action with the decurved bill is a good identification clue.
- Patience and Optics. Waders can be distant and subtle. Use good binoculars and a spotting scope for detailed observation of plumage and bill shape.
Migration
A long-distance migratory species. Breeds in the high Arctic of Siberia and undertakes extensive migrations to wintering grounds in Africa, southern Asia, and Australasia. Migration routes are complex, with birds from different breeding areas using distinct flyways. They are known for making long, non-stop flights.
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