Curlew

A curlew is a large, long-legged, and long-billed shorebird belonging to the genus *Numenius*. It is characterized by a distinctive down-curved bill, used for probing in mud and sand for invertebrates. Curlews are typically migratory, breeding in northern regions and wintering in warmer coastal areas. They are known for their distinctive, melancholic calls, which often resemble a mournful whistle. The plumage varies depending on the species, ranging from mottled brown to gray, offering effective camouflage in their habitats. Curlews primarily feed on crustaceans, insects, mollusks, and other small creatures found in intertidal zones, wetlands, and grasslands. Conservation efforts are crucial due to habitat loss and other threats facing curlew populations worldwide.

Curlew meaning with examples

• As the sun dipped below the horizon, a lone curlew flew overhead, its mournful cry echoing across the salt marsh. Its long, curved bill was a silhouette against the fiery sky as it searched for its evening meal in the exposed mudflats. The bird was a testament to nature's beauty, with its elegant form and graceful flight.
• The ornithologist meticulously studied the curlew, noting its precise measurements and plumage variations. He observed the curlew's intricate feeding habits, noting how it skillfully used its bill to extract burrowing worms. His research helped shed light on the curlew's vulnerability to habitat degradation and the pressing need for conservation.
• The sound of the curlew's call was a constant companion on the windswept coastline, providing the backdrop to the artist's landscape painting. The artist worked to perfectly capture the curlew's flight in the watercolor, the bird representing both solitude and freedom. The cry of the bird inspired much of the artwork.
• During the migration season, large flocks of curlews would descend upon the estuary, creating a spectacle of hundreds of birds. These birds were a flurry of activity, probing and scavenging. The migration marked the changing of seasons, and the arrival of the curlew marked the movement of a species which has survived many years.