British wildlife recordings
Numenius arquata : Curlew - Scolopacidae
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Type
sound
Duration
00:02:38
Shelf mark
W1CDR0001375 BD6
Subjects
Birds
Recording date
1960s
Recording locations
OS Grid Reference(641500,323500)
Recordist
Shove, Lawrence
Species
Curlew, Numenius arquata
Description
Recording of the song and call of the curlew. The curlew is easily recognised among waders by its large size and distinctive, downwardly curving bill. Outside the summer breeding season, it is found along the coast where it gathers together in large flocks with other waders to feed. The curlew uses its long bill to probe the soft mud to feed on small crabs, shellfish, molluscs, and lugworms. The curlew breeds further inland in fields, moorland and large forest clearings, where a nest is made on the ground by the male and lined by the female. Between three and five chicks are fed initially by both parents and then by just the male before they fly after five to six weeks. The call of the curlew is an unmistakable, plaintive, and lonely 'cour-leee' from which the curlew actually derives its name. During the breeding season, this is also accompanied by an attractive bubbling call whilst in flight. There are currently around 38,000 pairs breeding in Britain, with over 100,000 wintering around the coast. Populations of curlews have declined in recent years due to loss of suitable breeding habitat to more intensive farming methods and forestry. Stewardship schemes are helping to increase available breeding habitat
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