Numenius tahitiensis (J.F.Gmelin, 1789)

Scientific Name and Distinctive Morphology

The bristle-thighed curlew, scientifically named Numenius tahitiensis (J.F.Gmelin, 1789), has a long, downward-curved bill and bristled feathers at the base of the legs.

Size and Wingspan

It measures roughly 40–44 cm (16–17 in) in length, with an average wingspan of around 84 cm (33 in); females are typically larger than males on average.

Plumage Similarity to Whimbrel

This species matches the whimbrel in overall size and shape, and also has similar plumage: spotted brown upperparts, a light-colored belly, and a rust-colored or buffy tail.

Morphological Differences from Whimbrel

Several features set the bristle-thighed curlew apart from whimbrels: larger buff spots on its upper body, an unmarked light belly, barely marked flanks, distinct tail color, and a pale buffy-orange rump.

Winter Range

During winter, this curlew lives in tropical Oceania, where its habitat range includes Micronesia, Fiji, Tuvalu, Tonga, the Hawaiian Islands, Samoa, French Polynesia, and Tongareva (Penrhyn atoll).

Conservation Threats

Conservation concerns exist for this species related to habitat encroachment and introduced predators in its winter range.

Breeding Ground Discovery Timeline

Though the species was first described in the 18th century, after James Cook’s visits to Tahiti, its breeding grounds were not confirmed until 1948.

Breeding Habitat

Its nesting areas are located on the lower Yukon River and the Seward Peninsula, where the birds favor low-lying tundra close to shorelines.

Non-Breeding Vagrancy

Bristle-thighed curlews are rarely spotted near populated land areas, with only a small number of recorded sightings in Canada, California, and Oregon.

Diet Composition

When foraging, bristle-thighed curlews eat a wide range of foods including plant materials like flowers and berries, as well as insects, marine life, and the eggs of other birds.

Tool Use for Feeding

They use rocks to break open these eggs, which makes this species the only shorebird known to use tools for feeding.