Species Focus - Curlew (Numenius arquata)

The Curlew, with its long legs, large brown body and long, down-curved bill, is one of the most iconic and easily recognised birds of the Welsh landscape. Its distinct and evocative spring 'cour-eee' call, from which it gets its common name, is fast becoming rare.

Since 1993, the population in Wales has fallen by over 90% and is falling by 5% every year, with country-level extinction threatened by 2033. The population is now estimated to be 400-600 breeding pairs. Curlews are rapidly edging towards extinction as a breeding species in Wales and we urgently require information to locate breeding pairs and target conservation measures to protect them.

This may come as a surprise to those who regularly see large flocks of Curlew. The UK supports a third of the world population in winter. Birds on the Welsh coast in winter breed in other parts of the UK and continental Europe, arriving as early as August and remaining until spring.

Gylfinir Cymru/Curlew Wales wants your help in saving the breeding population in Wales. If you see Curlews away from the coast during March to July, anywhere in Wales, please submit the details here. The Curlew Wales Group will use this data to assess their numbers and improve their conservation. For more about the work of the group, visit Curlew Wales.

A special Country Focus programme devoted to curlews in Wales, featuring several members of Gylfinir Cymru, was broadcast over Easter. The programme is now available online, on BBC Sounds and downloadable as a podcast for four weeks.