Eskimo curlew

Abstract: Summary The Little Curlew, closest relative of the Eskimo Curlew, is a rare bird and has a restricted range in eastern Siberia. Within this range, nesting colonies are scattered and separated by hundreds of kilometres. From three to 30 pairs nest 200–300 m apart and within a radius of 1 km. Some colonies are associated with Golden Eagle nests. Both sexes incubate and eggs hatch in 22–23 days. Nests are found on dry well-drained slopes of low hills and in glades of sparse woodland of larch and dwarf birch. The display flight is similar to that of the Pintail Snipe but unusual for the genus Numenius. It takes place high in the air; the male flies in circles, utters a fluting trill and plunges downwards producing a drumming sound. The Little Curlew has a breeding-ground repertoire of at least six different sounds. In contrast to the Eskimo Curlew, which is a purely tundra species, the Little Curlew inhabits sparse larchwoods on the slopes of low hills. At the present, the Little Curlew is not in danger of extinction.