Bristle-thighed Curlew (Numenius tahitiensis)

The Bristle-thighed Curlew is very similar to the Whimbrel, but is much less common. They have been considered a rather mysterious bird by many, given their rarity, and given that their nesting grounds weren't discovered until the 1940s. They are found on the Hawaiian Islands and other Pacific islands during the winter months, but their summer breeding grounds are on a few remote tundra areas of western Alaska. Populations of Bristle-thighed Curlews are low, and are on the decline. On their wintering grounds, Bristle-thighed Curlews are particularly susceptible during the late fall months. They are the only "shorebird" to undergo a molt where they are flightless for a time, leaving them vulnerable to introduced island predators and human activity.

Habitat

Found on open, hilly tundra in western Alaska during the summer breeding season. Their winter habitats are beaches, mudflats, and coral reefs on Pacific islands.

Diet

Feeds heavily on insects during the summer breeding season. Before departing for their long-distance migration across the Pacific, Bristle-thighed Curlews often gather in parts of western Alaska to feed heavily on berries. In their winter range in Hawaii and other islands, they will feed on crustaceans, mollusks, snails, and other small marine life.

Behavior

Foraging is usually done by walking along the ground and picking up items with their bill. They may also use their long bill to prove in mud or sand.

Nesting

The nest of a Bristle-thighed Curlew is a shallow depression on the ground, lined with mosses, lichens, and leaves. The female usually lays 4 eggs, and both parents help to incubate them. When the eggs hatch, the young soon leave the nest and feed themselves, but they are attended to by both parents.

Song

Call of a Bristle-thighed Curlew is a clear whistling often compared to the whistle of a human.

Migration

Strongly migratory. Birds that breed in Alaska summer in the Hawaiian Islands and other Pacific Islands.

Interactive eBird Map

Click to access an interactive eBird map of Bristle-thighed Curlew sightings

Similar Species

Whimbrel, Long-biled Curlew. To differentiate these three shorebirds, look closely at their bill length, head patterns, and unique plumage details. The Long-billed Curlew is the largest and most easily recognized by its extraordinarily long, deeply decurved bill and a plain, unstriped head. The Whimbrel is smaller with a shorter bill and features a bold, dark-and-light striped crown pattern that is much more prominent than the other two. The Bristle-thighed Curlew is similar in size to the Whimbrel but is distinguished by its bright peach or cinnamon-colored rump and tail, along with the fine, hair-like feathers on its thighs that give the species its name.

Conservation Status

Populations are small and are in decline. The IUCN lists the Bristle-thighed Curlew as a "Near Threatened" species

Further Information

Photo Information

Photo taken by Kristine Sowl - USFWS Alaska - June 28th, 2010 - Western Alaska - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial NoDerivs 2.0 Generic License.