Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris ferruginea
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Curlew Sandpiper is a passage wader that occurs at Marshside in autumn, usually mixed in with Dunlin flocks. In fresh autumn plumage, adults still show traces of their brick-red breeding plumage. Juveniles are neatly scaly. The slightly curved bill (longer than Dunlin's) and pure white rump in flight are key features. Worth checking any Dunlin flock carefully in August and September. Numbers passing through Britain have declined significantly due to deterioration of Arctic breeding grounds.
At a Glance
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Habitat | Coastal scrape · Tidal mudflat · Saltmarsh edge |
| Diet | Invertebrates — probes mud with curved bill |
| UK population | Passage only; around 1,000 in a good autumn. Numbers have declined significantly. |
| Sefton Coast | Irregular autumn passage — typically 1–10 birds mixed with Dunlin; varies year to year |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB scrape. Occurs with Dunlin in mixed wader flocks.
Identification
Like a longer-billed, longer-legged Dunlin. Slight downward curve to bill. Clean white rump in flight — key feature. Adults in autumn show rusty-red tones. Juveniles scaly buff-grey above, clean white below with peachy wash on breast.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Scan Dunlin flocks at Marshside in August–September. Look for slightly taller birds with a longer, more curved bill and clean white rump visible in flight.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have Curlew Sandpiper numbers declined?
Curlew Sandpipers breed on the high Arctic tundra, and numbers passing through Britain are closely linked to lemming population cycles on their breeding grounds (lemmings at high density reduce predator pressure on bird nests). Beyond this, progressive degradation of conditions on the East Atlantic Flyway — particularly in West Africa — is thought to be causing long-term declines.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.