Eskimo curlew

Numenius borealis

The Eskimo curlew (Numenius borealis), also known as northern curlew, is a species of curlew in the family Scolopacidae.

Family: Scolopacidae Order: Charadriiformes Conservation: Critically Endangered
Eskimo curlew

About the Eskimo curlew

The Eskimo curlew (Numenius borealis), also known as northern curlew, is a species of curlew in the family Scolopacidae. It was one of the most numerous shorebirds in the tundra of western Arctic Canada and Alaska. Thousands of birds were then killed per year in the late 1800s. As there has not been a reliable sighting since 1987 or a confirmed sighting since 1963, the Eskimo curlew is considered Critically Endangered or possibly extinct. The bird is about 30 cm (12 in) long and feeds mostly on insects and berries.

Fun Facts About Eskimo curlew

  • The bird is about 30 cm (12 in) long and feeds mostly on insects and berries.
  • As there has not been a reliable sighting since 1987 or a confirmed sighting since 1963, the Eskimo curlew is considered Critically Endangered or possibly extinct.
  • Thousands of birds were then killed per year in the late 1800s.

Conservation Status

The Eskimo curlew is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This species is at significant risk of extinction and requires active conservation efforts.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

OrderCharadriiformes
FamilyScolopacidae
GenusNumenius
SpeciesNumenius borealis

Range & Habitat

Range map of Eskimo curlew

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Related Species

Other species in the Scolopacidae family: