Courlis cendré— Quebec wildlife

The Eurasian curlew or common curlew (Numenius arquata) is a very large wader in the family Scolopacidae. It is one of the most widespread of the curlews, breeding across temperate Europe and Asia. In Europe, this species is often referred to just as the "curlew", and in Scotland known as the "whaup" in Scots.

Description

The Eurasian curlew is the largest wading bird in its range. It is 50–60 cm (20–24 in) long, has a wingspan of 89–106 cm (35–42 in) wingspan and weighs 410–1,360 g (0.90–3.00 lb). It is mainly greyish brown, with a white back, greyish-blue legs and a very long curved bill. Males and females look identical, but the bill is longest in the adult female. It is generally not possible to determine the sex of an individual Eurasian curlew, or even of several, as there is much variation. However, it is usually possible to tell the sexes apart in a mated pair. The familiar call is a loud curloo-oo. The only other species similar to the curlew is the Eurasian whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus). The whimbrel is smaller and has a shorter bill with a kink rather than a smooth curve. Curlews in winter plumage may also resemble bar-tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica) in flight; however, the latter have a smaller body, a slightly upturned beak, and legs that do not extend beyond their tail tips. The Eurasian curlew's feet are longer, forming a conspicuous "point".