About Numenius americanus Bechstein, 1812
Common Name and Regional Status
Numenius americanus, commonly called the long-billed curlew, is the largest regularly occurring sandpiper in North America.
Standard Size Measurements
This species measures 50–65 cm (20–26 in) in length, spans 62–90 cm (24+1⁄2–35+1⁄2 in) across the wings, and weighs 490–950 g (1 lb 1+1⁄2 oz – 2 lb 1+1⁄2 oz).
Bill Characteristics
It has a disproportionately long, downward-curving bill that is 11.3–21.9 cm (4+1⁄2–8+5⁄8 in) long; this bill rivals that of the larger-bodied Far Eastern curlew for the title of longest bill among all shorebirds.
Body Structure
Long-billed curlews have a long neck and a small head.
Plumage Coloration
Their neck and underparts are light cinnamon-colored, while their crown is streaked with brown.
Sexual Dimorphism
Like many sandpipers, this species shows reversed sexual dimorphism: females are larger, and have much longer bills, than males.
