Slender-billed Curlew vs Eurasian Curlew

In short

The Slender-billed Curlew is a very pale curlew with a short, slim, pointed bill, while the Eurasian Curlew is larger with a more robust, decurved bill. The Slender-billed Curlew lacks the dark crown-stripe seen in the Eurasian Curlew and has distinctive rounded or heart-shaped dark markings on its flanks.

Identification tips

1. Look for the short, slim, pointed bill of the Slender-billed Curlew compared to the more robust bill of the Eurasian Curlew. 2. Note the paler plumage and absence of a dark crown-stripe in the Slender-billed Curlew. 3. Check for rounded or heart-shaped dark markings on the flanks of the Slender-billed Curlew. 4. Listen for the distinctive call of the Slender-billed Curlew, which is higher-pitched and includes a laughing trill.

Size

The Slender-billed Curlew is smaller, measuring 36–41 cm in length, compared to the larger Eurasian Curlew.

Plumage

The Slender-billed Curlew is paler overall with a white or pale buff ground color on the head and breast, and distinctive rounded or heart-shaped dark markings on the flanks. It lacks the dark crown-stripe present in the Eurasian Curlew.

Voice

The Slender-billed Curlew's call is described as a higher-pitched, shorter 'cour-lee' often followed by a laughing trill, whereas the Eurasian Curlew has a more typical curlew call.