Curlew

The Curlew is the largest wading bird in Britain, easily recognised by its very long, curved bill and its distinctive bubbling call. Its mottled brown feathers help it blend in well with moorland and grassland, while its long grey legs are well suited for searching in mud and soft ground. It breeds on upland moors, wet grasslands, and blanket bogs in northern and western parts of Britain and Ireland. The birds tend to return to the same places each year. Outside the breeding season, Curlews gather in groups on estuaries, mudflats, and coastal marshes. Their specially shaped bill helps them reach small creatures buried deep in the mud. The number of Curlews has fallen sharply, making the protection of this once common bird very important across its range.