Usually solitary, this uncommon denizen of the grasslands uses its long, decurved bill to probe deeply into mud and sand for crabs, and also enjoys shrimp when out of the breeding season. During this period of time, it will also be located in mudflats, wetlands, flooded fields under six inches deep, beaches and tidal estuaries. A rare visitor of the Oklahoma panhandle, the species once was seen in other northwestern counties.
This nesting bird, nicknamed sicklebill or candlestick bird, of the short grass prairie, does not need water nearby and will forage chiefly on grasshoppers, earthworms, and other invertebrates. Breeding habitat can also include combinations of sage and cactus on gentle hills, agricultural lands, or grazed mixed grass prairie.
Long-billed Curlew
Cimarron County, OK
Small flocks will arrive on breeding grounds and foraging and core areas are then established. These are often sandy areas, and flight displays and calls will be given above these locales, which will alert one to a nesting ground. Area meadows are also used to forage within, and flight displays will also be observed here, as well. This extended territory will be defended and unwanted strangers will be removed.
Nest sites are damp hollows or long sloped riparian areas. Curlews will nest in loose colonies and the nests are often by dried cow dung for purposes of concealment. There are four or five eggs in the nest, and they are single brooded. Chicks are precocial, so they can move about on their own power in a short amount of time.
After families are raised, the flock will depart by the first half of August and winter in southern coastal areas from central and western North America.
In flight, the largest shorebird will show rusty wing patches. It struts instead of walks, and the impossibly long decurved bill is an identifying feature. Graceful and with a purpose, it has pale cinnamon underparts.
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