Photo by George
Wall
The Shorebirds
consists of 62 species in 23 genera. One of
these species is the Long-billed Curlew—the largest of the shorebirds
and
probably the most easiest to identify.
Description:
A very large bird with a length of 20-26” .
They weigh about 1.3 lbs. Besides their size, what sets them apart from
other
shorebirds is the length of their bill which is about a foot long. One
thing of
interest is that the female’s bill is
longer than the male's, and is a different shape. Hers is flatter on
top with a
more pronounced curve at the tip. His is gently curved throughout its
length. Their color is a plain
buffy-brown all over.
Range: They are found
mostly in the western half of the United
States and Canada
and down through Mexico
and
the Pacific area of Guatemala,
Honduras
and Costa Rica.
They can also be found along the Atlantic
Coast—especially
South
Carolina.
Diet: Mostly
insects,
crustaceans, frogs and eggs of other birds. They sometimes eat berries.
Nesting
and Breeding:
They nest on
relatively dry grasslands not too
far from water. They have
about four eggs 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Males help incubate. Usually
they are
solitary, but may forage in a flock.
|
