How to identify the Curlew Sandpiper

To correctly identify the Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

18-23 cm

Wingspan

38-46 cm

Weight

40-110 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Breeding adults are largely brick-red on the underparts, face, and neck, with dark brown upperparts heavily streaked with rufous. Non-breeding adults are pale grey-brown above and white below, with a prominent white supercilium. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have a buff wash on the breast and flanks, and scaly-patterned upperparts.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Long, slender, and distinctly downcurved black bill.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The most distinctive feature is its long, decurved black bill. In breeding plumage, the rich brick-red underparts are unmistakable. In non-breeding plumage, the white supercilium, pale grey upperparts, and decurved bill help distinguish it from similar species. A prominent white rump is visible in flight.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles have a buff wash on the breast and flanks, often with fine streaking. Their upperparts are grey-brown with neat buff fringes, giving a scaly appearance. The supercilium is prominent and buff-tinged.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   Dramatic seasonal changes. Breeding plumage (late spring to early autumn) features rich brick-red underparts. Non-breeding plumage (autumn to spring) is much plainer, with pale grey-brown upperparts and white underparts.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally similar in plumage, though males tend to be slightly brighter in breeding plumage. Females may be marginally larger.

Key field marks

• Bill Shape. Look for the distinctive long, slender, and distinctly downcurved black bill. This is a key field mark in all plumages.
• Breeding Plumage Coloration. In summer, the rich, uniform brick-red underparts, face, and neck are unmistakable. No other small wader has this extensive red coloration.
• Non-breeding Plumage. Pale grey-brown upperparts, clean white underparts, and a prominent white supercilium (eyebrow stripe) are characteristic. The decurved bill remains the best feature.
• Juvenile Plumage. Look for the buff wash on the breast and flanks, and the neatly fringed, scaly-looking upperparts. The decurved bill is still present.
• Flight Identification. Observe the prominent white rump and white wing-bar (though less obvious than some other waders) against dark wings. The flight call is also distinctive.
• Behavior. Watch its feeding style – often probing deeply with its decurved bill, sometimes with its head submerged, in soft mud.
• Call. Listen for the soft, liquid 'chirrup' or 'chur-rup' call, especially when birds are flushed or in flight.

Explore the Curlew Sandpiper