This page aims to draw together the variety of scientific papers and reports that have been published about the nine curlew species. In some cases, the papers and reports are on waders/shorebirds in general, and mention curlews as part of the study. Papers have been arranged by species, and then by year. Please note that this page is a work in progress.
Where relevant, we have provided links to where the paper has been covered elsewhere, such as on the Curlew Action blog, or as a press release.
We have also marked which papers are available to read in full online for free. If you wish to read a paper that is not Open Access and do not have access to the journal, we recommend getting in touch with the corresponding author to request a copy.
Multiple curlew species (Numenius spp.)
Jarrett, Lehikoinen and Willis (2023): Monitoring wader breeding productivity. IBIS, Volume 166, Issue 3, pages 780-800. DOI: 10.1111/ibi.13298. [Open Access]
Tan et al (2023): Megafaunal extinctions, not climate change, may explain Holocene genetic diversity declines in Numenius shorebirds. eLife. DOI: 10.7554/eLife.85422
Galtbalt et al (2021): Far eastern curlew and whimbrel prefer flying low - wind support and good visibility appear only secondary factors in determining migratory flight altitude. Movement Ecology, Volume 9, Issue 32. DOI: 10.1186/s40462-021-00267-5
Koo Lee et al (2017): Effects of the Saemangeum Reclamation Project on migratory shorebird staging in the Saemangeum and Geum Estuaries, South Korea. Bird Conservation International, Volume 28, Issue 2, pages 238 - 250. DOI: 10.1017/S0959270916000605 [Open Access]
Pearce-Higgins (2017): A global threats overview for Numeniini populations: synthesising expert knowledge for a group of declining migratory birds. Bird Conservation International, Volume 27, Issue 1, pages 6–34. DOI: 10.1017/S0959270916000678 [Open Access]
Hua et al (2015): Key research issues concerning the conservation of migratory shorebirds in the Yellow Sea region. Bird Conservation International, Volume 25, Issue 1, pages 38 - 52. DOI: 10.1017/S0959270914000380 [Open Access]
Yang et al (2011): Impacts of tidal land reclamation in Bohai Bay, China: ongoing losses of critical Yellow Sea waterbird staging and wintering sites. Bird Conservation International, Volume 21, Issue 3, pages 241-259. DOI: 10.1017/S0959270911000086 [Open Access]
Amano et al (2010): A framework for monitoring the status of populations: An example from wader populations in the East Asian-Australasian flyway. Biological Conservation, Volume 143, Issue 9, September 2010, pages 2238-2247. DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2010.06.010
Handel et al (1988): Seasonal Occurrence of Migrant Whimbrels and Bristle-Thighed Curlews on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska. The Condor, Volume 90, Issue 4, pages 782-790. DOI: 10.2307/1368835 [Open Access]
Eurasian Curlew (N. arquata)
Düttmann et al (2025): GPS-telemetry reveals individual plasticity in the movements of Eurasian Curlews Numenius arquata during a cold spell. Wader Study, Volume 131, Issue 3, pages 195–203. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00356
Williams et al (2024): Evidence of anthropogenic subsidisation of red foxes in a national park important for breeding wading birds. Mammal Research. DOI: 10.1007/s13364-024-00769-8
Rivers et al (2024): Factors influencing nest site selection in a rapidly declining shorebird, the Eurasian curlew. Journal of Avian Biology, Early View. DOI: 10.1111/jav.03286. [Open Access]
Jarrett and Willis (2024): Acoustic detection rate can outperform traditional survey approaches in estimating relative densities of breeding waders. IBIS, Early View. DOI: 10.1111/ibi.13375 [Open Access]
Obłoza, Krupiński and Kasprzykowski (2024): Nest-site selection of Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) in the centre of its European range: adaptation to local macrohabitat factors. Journal of Ornithology, DOI: 10.1007/s10336-024-02203-x [Open Access]
Tománka et al (2024): Field calibration of two survey methods to assess productivity of a ground-nesting wader, the Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata. Bird Study, Volume 71, Issue 3, pages 232-240. DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2024.2372505
Summers et al (2023): Migrations, Destinations and Breeding of Eurasian Curlews Numenius arquata arquata that Spend the Non-Breeding Season in Northern Scotland. Ardea, Volume 111, No. 2, October 2023, pages 533-542. DOI: 10.5253/ardea.2023.a8 [Open Access]
Goodall et (2023): Review of the wider societal, biodiversity and ecosystem benefits of curlew recovery in Wales. Report No 629. Natural Resources Wales [Open Access]
Pakanen and Kylmänen (2023): High adult survival in a northern Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) population. Ornis Fennica, 00-00. DOI: 10.51812/of.126810 [Open Access]
Kenobi et al (2023): Lasso penalisation identifies consistent trends over time in landscape and climate factors influencing the wintering distribution of the Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata). Ecological Informatics, Volume 77, November 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2023.102244 [Open Access]
Donnez et al (2023): Small Space but High Diversity: Spatial and Temporal Habitat Use by Endangered Eurasian Curlew at Wintering Sites Throughout Europe. Wetlands, Volume 43, Article number: 80. DOI: 10.1007/s13157-023-01728-w
Summers et al (2023): Long-term patterns in the proportion of first-year waders during the non-breeding season in Scotland. Wader Study, Volume 130, Issue 2, pages 145-153. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00313
Ewing et al (2023): Nest survival of threatened Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) breeding at low densities across a human-modified landscape. IBIS, Volume 165, Issue 3. DOI: 10.1111/ibi.13180 [Open Access]
Viana et al (2023): A synthesis of Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata arquata) demography and population viability to inform its management. IBIS, Volume 165, Issue 3, pages 767-780. DOI: 10.1111/ibi.13184 [Open Access]
Schwemmer et al (2023): Behavioural responses to offshore windfarms during migration of a declining shorebird species revealed via GPS-telemetry. Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 342. DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118131 [Open Access]
Baines et al (2023): Lethal predator control on UK moorland is associated with high breeding success of curlew, a globally near-threatened wader. European Journal of Wildlife Research, Volume 69, article 6. DOI: 10.1007/s10344-022-01631-5
Schwemmer et al (2022): Assessing potential conflicts between offshore wind farms and migration patterns of a threatened shorebird species. Animal Conservation, Volume 26, Issue 3, pages 303-316. DOI: 10.1111/acv.12817 [Open Access]
Bowgen et al (2022): Curves for Curlew: Identifying Curlew breeding status from GPS tracking data. Ecology and Evolution, Volume 12, Issue 12, e9509. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9509 [Open Access]
Mander et al (2022): Individual, sexual and temporal variation in the winter home range sizes of GPS-tagged Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata. Bird Study, Volume 69, Issue 1-2, pages 39-52. DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2022.2144129 [Open Access]
Joyeux et al (2022): Meadow-breeding waders in France: Population sizes, distribution and conservation challenges. Wader Study, Volume 129, Issue 3, pages 166-176. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00290
Power et al (2022): A preliminary investigation of persistent pollutants in Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata eggs in Ireland. Wader Study, Volume 129, Issue 3, pages 216-223. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00287
Kelly et al (2021): Inter-Specific Variation in the Potential for Upland Rush Management Advocated by Agri-Environment Schemes to Increase Breeding Wader Densities. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Volume 9. DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.660513 [Open Access]
Jiguet et al (2021): GPS tracking data can document wind turbine interactions: Evidence from a GPS-tagged Eurasian curlew. Forensic Science International: Animals and Environments, Volume 1, November 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.fsiae.2021.100036
Kelly et al (2021): Upland rush management advocated by agri-environment schemes increases predation of artificial wader nests. Animal Conservation, Volume 24, Issue 4, August 2021, pages 646-658. DOI: 10.1111/acv.12672 [Open Access]
Woodward et al (2021): Assessing drivers of winter abundance change in Eurasian Curlews Numenius arquata in England and Wales. Bird Study, Volume 68, Issue 3, pages 289-301. DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2022.2049205
Douglas et al (2021): Recovering the Eurasian Curlew in the UK and Ireland: progress since 2015 and looking ahead. British Birds, Volume 114, June 2021.
Cook et al (2021): Temperature and density influence survival in a rapidly declining migratory shorebird. Biological Conservation, Volume 260, August 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109198
Lislevand et al (2021): Population status, trends and conservation of meadow-breeding waders in Norway. Wader Study, Volume 128, Issue 1, pages 6-21. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00217 [Open Access]
Colwell et al (2020): Saving England’s lowland Eurasian Curlews. British Birds, Volume 113, May 2020, pages 279-292. [Open Access]
Robinson, Sanders and Rees (2020): Survival of Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata differs by season but not by breeding origin. Wader Study, Volume 127, Issue 1, pages 25-30. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00176 [Open Access]
Young et al (2020): A transdisciplinary approach to a conservation crisis: A case study of the Eurasian curlew (Numenius arquata) in Ireland. Conservation Science and Practice, Volume 2, Issue 7, e206. DOI: 10.1111/csp2.206 [Open Access]
Wilson, Calladine and Wernham (2020): Audit of local studies of breeding Curlew and other waders in Britain and Ireland. BTO Research Report 727. [Open Access]
O’Donoghue, Donaghy, and Kelly (2019): National survey of breeding Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata in the Republic of Ireland, 2015–2017. Wader Study, Volume 126, Issue 1, pages 43 – 48. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00130 [Open Access]
Potts et al (2019): Movements of GPS-tracked Curlews within the New Forest and The Solent. Hampshire Bird Report 2018, pages 200-227.
Zielonka et al (2019): Placement, survival and predator identity of Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata nests on lowland grass-heath. Bird Study, Volume 66, Issue 4, pages 471-483. DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2020.1725421 [Open Access]
Franks et al (2018): Evaluating the effectiveness of conservation measures for European grassland-breeding waders. Ecology and Evolution, Volume 8, Issue 21, pages 10555-10568. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4532 [Open Access]
Żmihorski et al (2018): Habitat characteristics associated with occupancy of declining waders in Polish wet grasslands. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, Volume 251, pages 236-243. DOI: 10.1016/j.agee.2017.09.033 [Open Access]
Douglas et al (2017): Changes in upland bird abundances show associations with moorland management. Bird Study, Volume 64, Issue 2, pages 242-254. DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2017.1317326 [Open Access]
Franks et al (2017): Environmental correlates of breeding abundance and population change of Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata in Britain. Bird Study, Volume 64, Issue 3, pages 393-409. DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2017.1359233 [Open Access]
Sanders (2017): Problems with multiple colour rings on Curlews Numenius arquata. Ringing & Migration, Volume 32, Issue 1, pages 58-62. DOI: 10.1080/03078698.2017.1324001 [Open Access]
Brochet et al (2016): Preliminary assessment of the scope and scale of illegal killing and taking of birds in the Mediterranean. Bird Conservation International, Volume 26, Issue 1, pages 1-28. DOI: 10.1017/S0959270915000416 [Open Access]
Brown et al (2015): The Eurasian Curlew – the most pressing bird conservation priority in the UK? British Birds, Volume 108, November 2015, pages 660-668. [PDF available via Curlew Forum]
Colhoun, Mawhinney and Peach (2015): Population estimates and changes in abundance of breeding waders in Northern Ireland up to 2013. Bird Study, Volume 62, Issue 3, pages 394-403. DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2015.1058746 [Open Access]
Fisher and Walker (2015): Habitat restoration for curlew Numenius arquata at the Lake Vyrnwy reserve, Wales. Conservation Evidence, 12, pages 46-52. [Open Access]
Brown (2015): International Single Species Action Plan for the Conservation of the Eurasian Curlew Numenius a. arquata, N. a. orientalis and N. a. suschkini. AEWA Technical Series No. 58. Bonn, Germany. [Open Access]
Douglas et al (2013): Upland land use predicts population decline in a globally near-threatened wader. Journal of Applied Ecology, Volume 51, Issue 1, pages 194-203. DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12167 [Open Access]
Taylor and Dodd (2013): Negative impacts of hunting and suction-dredging on otherwise high and stable survival rates in Curlews Numenius arquata. Bird Study, Volume 60, Issue 2, pages 221-228. DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2013.775215 [Open Access]
Renwick et al (2012): Modelling changes in species' abundance in response to projected climate change. Diversity and Distributions, Volume 18, Issue 2, pages 121-132. DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-4642.2011.00827.x [Open Access]
Amar et al (2011): Exploring the relationships between wader declines and current land-use in the British uplands. Bird Study, Volume 58, Issue 1, pages 13-26. DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2010.513412 [Open Access]
Amar et al (2010): Spatial and temporal associations between recovering populations of common raven Corvus corax and British upland wader populations. Journal of Applied Ecology, Volume 47, Issue 2, pages 253–262. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2010.01772.x [Open Access]
Fletcher et al (2010): Changes in breeding success and abundance of ground-nesting moorland birds in relation to the experimental deployment of legal predator control. Journal of Applied Ecology, Volume 47, Issue 2, pages 263-272. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2010.01793.x [Open Access]
Pearce-Higgins et al (2009): The distribution of breeding birds around upland wind farms. Journal of Applied Ecology, Volume 46, Issue 6, pages 1323-1331. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2009.01715.x [Open Access]
Bracken, McMahon and Whelan (2008): Breeding bird populations of Irish peatlands. Bird Study, Volume 55, Issue 2, pages 169-178. DOI: 10.1080/00063650809461519 [Open Access]
Pearce-Higgins and Grant (2006): Relationships between bird abundance and the composition and structure of moorland vegetation. Bird Study, Volume 53, Issue 2, pages 112-125. DOI: 10.1080/00063650609461424 [Open Access]
Wilson et al (2005): Changes in the numbers of breeding waders on lowland wet grasslands in England and Wales between 1982 and 2002. Bird Study, Volume 52, Issue 1, pages 55-69. DOI: 10.1080/00063650509461374 [Open Access]
Grant (2002): Effects of radiotagging on the weight gain and survival of Curlew Numenius arquata chicks. Bird Study, Volume 29, Issue 2, pages 172-176. DOI: 10.1080/00063650209461262 [Open Access]
Henderson et al (2002): Population estimates, trends and habitat associations of breeding Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Curlew Numenius arquata and Snipe Gallinago gallinago in Northern Ireland in 1999. Bird Study, Volume 49, Issue 1, pages 17-25. DOI: 10.1080/00063650209461240 [Open Access]
Currie et al (2001): Sex roles, parental effort and offspring desertion in the monogamous Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata. IBIS, Volume 143, Issue 3, pages 642-650. DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-919X.2001.tb04892.x
Tharme et al (2001): The effect of management for red grouse shooting on the population denstiy of breeding birds on heather-dominated moorland. Journal of Applied Ecology, Volume 38, Issue 2, pages 439-457. DOI: j.1365-2664.2001.00597.x [Open Access]
Grant et al (2000): Estimating the abundance and hatching success of breeding Curlew Numenius arquata using survey data. Bird Study. Volume 47, pages 41-51. DOI: 10.1080/00063650009461159 [Open Access]
Currie and Valkama (2000): Population density and the intensity of paternity assurance behaviour in a monogamous wader: the Curlew Numenius arquata. IBIS, Volume 142, Issue 3, pages 372-381. DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-919X.2000.tb04433.x
Grant et al (1999): Breeding success and causes of breeding failure of curlew Numenius arquata in Northern Ireland. Journal of Applied Ecology. Volume 36, Issue 1, pages 59-74. DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2664.1999.00379.x [Open Access]
Wilson and Brown (1999): Breeding population estimates for Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Curlew in Scotland: results of the 1998 BTO Lapwing Survey. Scottish Birds, Volume 20.
Berg (1996): Predation on artificial, solitary and aggregated wader nests on farmland. Oecologia, Volume 107, pages 343-346. DOI: 10.1007/BF00328450
Grant (1996): Predicting the hatching dates of Curlew Numenius arquata clutches. Wader Study Group Bulletin. 80: 53-54. [Open Access]
Fuller (1995): Changes in breeding populations of Curlews and Lapwings in central Buckinghamshire, 1981-1990. Buckinghamshire Bird Report 1994.
Austin and Crick (1994): Breeding phenology of Curlew. Analysis of Nest Record cards from the British Trust for Ornithology Nest Record Scheme. BTO Research Report 134.
Berg (1994): Maintenance of populations and causes of population changes of Curlews Numenius arquata breeding on farmland. Biological Conservation. Volume 67, Issue 3, pages 233-238.
Berg (1992): Habitat selection by breeding Curlews Numenius arquata on mosaic farmland. IBIS, Volume 134, Issue 4, pages 355-360. DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-919X.1992.tb08015.x
Berg (1992): Factors affecting nest-site choice and reproductive success of Curlews Numenius arquata on farmland. IBIS, Volume 134, Issue 1. DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-919X.1992.tb07228.x
Fuller (1981): Aspects of counting Lapwings and Curlews breeding on lowland grasslands. Wader Study Group Bulletin, Volume 33.
Bainbridge and Minton (1978): The migration and mortality of the Curlew in Britain and Ireland. Bird Study, Volume 25, Issue 1, pages 39-50.
Eurasian Whimbrel (N. phaeopus)
Cerezo-Araujo et al (2025): Serenade of a whimbrel: understanding the function of display behaviour in a sub-Arctic territorial wader. Journal of Avian Biology, Volume 2025, Issue 1, January 2025. e03324 DOI: 10.1111/jav.03324 [Open Access]
Cerezo-Araujo et al (2024): Annual and spatial variation in adult and brood abundance in a sub-Arctic wader. Bird Study, Volume 71, Issue 3, pages 216-231. DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2024.2365994
Carneiro et al (2024): Does frequent handling influence Eurasian whimbrel chicks' body condition? Journal of Ornithology. DOI: 10.1007/s10336-024-02185-w
Ng et al (2024): Foraging Behaviour of Three Shorebird Species on Coastal Mudflats of Southwestern Sarawak. Malaysian Applied Biology, 53(1), pages 169-185. DOI: 10.55230/mabjournal.v53i1.2712 [Open Access]
Carneiro et al (2023): Icelandic Whimbrel first migration: Non-stop until West Africa, yet later departure and slower travel than adults. IBIS, Volume 166, Issue 2, pages 715-722. DOI: 10.1111/ibi.13282 [Open Access]
- BOU blog (including a poem inspired by Mary's speech at the IWSG Annual Conference in 2023)
Kruckenberg et al (2023): Numbers, distribution and habitat choice of Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus on spring migration in the Ems-Dollard region, northwest Germany. Wader Study, Volume 130, Issue 2, pages 111-121. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00310
Carneiro, Gunnarsson and Alves (2023): Annual Schedule Adjustment by a Long-Distance Migratory Bird. The American Naturalist, Volume 201, Number 3, March 2023. DOI: 10.1086/722566
Carneiro (2023): Whimbrel hatched from the pointed end of the egg. Wader Study, Volume 130, Issue 1, pages 85-87. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00296
Pálsdóttir et al (2022): Effects of overhead power-lines on the density of ground-nesting birds in open sub-arctic habitats. IBIS, Volume 164, Issue 4, pages 1257-1264, October 2022. DOI: 10.1111/ibi13089 [Open Access]
Carneiro et al (2021): Linking range wide energetic tradeoffs to breeding performance in a long-distance migrant. Ecography, Volume 4, Issue 4, pages 512-524. DOI: 10.1111/ecog05152 [Open Access]
Laidlaw et al (2020): Vegetation structure influences predation rates of early nests in subarctic breeding waders. IBIS, Volume 162, Issue 4, pages 1225-1236. DOI: 10.1111/ibi.12827 [Open Access]
Carneiro, Gunnarsson, and Alves (2019): Faster migration in autumn than in spring: seasonal migration patterns and non-breeding distribution of Icelandic Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus islandicus. Journal of Avian Biology. Volume 50, Issue 1, 1–8. DOI: 10.1111/jav.01938 [Open Access]
Carneiro, Gunnarsson, and Alves (2019b): Why are Whimbrels not advancing their arrival dates into Iceland? Exploring seasonal and sex-specific variation in consistency of individual timing during the annual cycle. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Volume 7, 1–8. DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00248 [Open Access]
Allport et al (2018). Local site use and first northbound migration track of non-breeding Steppe Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus alboaxillaris (Lowe 1921). Wader Study, Volume 125, pages219-227. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00126
Massey et al (2016): Habitat characteristics of breeding Eurasian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus on Mainland Shetland, Scotland, UK. Bird Study, Volume 63, Issue 4, pages 500-508. DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2016.1237470 [Open Access]
Gunnarsson and Guðmundsson (2016): Migration and non-breeding distribution of Icelandic Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus islandicus as revealed by ringing recoveries. Wader Study, Volume 123, Issue 1, pages 44–48. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00031
Alves et al (2016): Very rapid long-distance sea crossing by a migratory bird. Scientific Reports. Volume 6, article number: 38154. DOI: 10.1038/srep38154 [Open Access]
Katrínardóttir et al (2015): The effects of habitat type and volcanic eruptions on the breeding demography of Icelandic whimbrels Numenius phaeopus. PLoS ONE 10(7), DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131395 [Open Access]
Jóhannesdóttir et al (2014): Identifying important bird habitats in a sub-arctic area undergoing rapid land-use change. Bird Study, Volume 61, Issue 4, pages 544-552. DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2014.962481 [Open Access]
Katrínardóttir et al (2013). Sexing Icelandic Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus islandicus with DNA and biometrics. Ringing and Migration. Volume 28, Issue 1, pages 43–46. DOI: 10.1080/03078698.2013.811160
Gunnarsson and Tómasson (2011): Flexibility in spring arrival of migratory birds at northern latitudes under rapid temperature changes. Bird Study, Volume 58, Issue 1, pages 1–12. DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2010.526999 [Open Access]
Gunnarsson (2006): Large-scale habitat associations of birds in lowland Iceland: Implications for conservation. Biological Conservation, Volume 128, Issue 2, March 2006, pages 265-275. DOI: 10.1016/2005.09.034
Turpie and Hockey (1993): Comparative diurnal and nocturnal foraging behaviour and energy intake of premigratory Grey Plovers Pluvialis squatarola and Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus in South Africa. IBIS, Volume 135, Issue 2, pages 156-165. DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-919X.1993.tb02827.x
Grant (1991): Nesting densities, productivity and surviving of breeding Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus in Shetland. Bird Study, Volume 38, Issue 3. DOI: 10.1080/00063659109477085 [Open Access]
Hudsonian Whimbrel (N. hudsonicus)
Some of the papers here refer to the Eurasian Whimbrel (N. phaeopus). Until recently, the Hudsonian Whimbrel was considered a subspecies of the Eurasian Whimbrel but it was elevated to species level in 2020. This taxonomic split has been accepted by some, but not all, taxonomic authorities. Where the papers refer to Whimbrels in North America, we have placed them here.
Ruthrauff et al (2024): Disparate data streams together yield novel survival estimates of Alaska-breeding Whimbrels. IBIS, Volume 166, Issue 2, pages 622-632. DOI: 10.1111/ibi.13273
Morales-Torres (2024): The importance of feeding fast when thieves are around: A case study on Whimbrels foraging on a wave-exposed sandy beach in southern Chile. Austral Ecology, Volume 49, Issue 1, e13298. DOI: 10.1111/aec.13298
Ausems et al (2023): Sex differentiation in Whimbrels from Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. Wader Study, Volume 130, Issue 2, pages 161-167. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00308
Ausems et al (2023): Consistent apparent adult survival and nest‐site fidelity of whimbrel Numenius phaeopus near Churchill, Manitoba, Canada over a 40 year period. Journal of Avian Biology, Volume 2023, Issue 5-6. DOI: 10.1111/jav.03077 [Open Access]
Sanders et al (2021): Nocturnal roost on South Carolina coast supports nearly half of Atlantic coast population of Hudsonian Whimbrel Numenius hudsonicus during northward migration. Wader Study, Volume 128, Issue 2, pages 117-124. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00228
Watts et al (2021): The annual cycle for whimbrel populations using the Western Atlantic Flyway. PLoS ONE 16(12): e0260339. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260339 [Open Access]
Ruthrauff et al (2021): Diverse patterns of migratory timing, site use, and site fidelity by Alaska-breeding Whimbrels. Journal of Field Ecology, Volume 92, Issue 2, pages 156-172. DOI: 10.1111/jofo.12365
Johnston-González and Abril (2018): Predation risk and resource availability explain roost locations of Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus in a tropical mangrove delta. IBIS, Volume 161, Issue 4, pages 839-853. DOI: 10.1111/ibi.12678 [Open Access]
2018): Apparent annual survival of adult Whimbrels in the Pacific Americas Flyway. Wader Study 125: 115–121.
Johnson et al (2016): Dichotomous strategies? The migration of Whimbrels breeding in the eastern Canadian sub-Arctic. Journal of Field Ornithology. Volume 87, 371–383. DOI: 10.1111/jofo.12173
2011): Decline of Whimbrels within a mid-Atlantic staging area (1994–2009). Waterbirds. Volume 34, No.3, pages 347–351. DOI: 10.1675/063.034.0308
2009): Estimating eastern Pacific Coast populations of Whimbrels and Hudsonian Godwits, with an emphasis on Chiloé Island, Chile. Waterbirds, Volume 32, Issue 2, pages 216–224. DOI: 10.1675/063.032.0202
Watts et al (2008): Whimbrel tracked with satellite transmitter on migratory flight across North America. Wader Study Group Bulletin, Volume 115, Issue 2, pages 119-121. [Open Access]
Skeel (1983): Nesting success, density, philopatry, and nest-site selection of the Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) in different habitats. Canadian Journal of Zoology. Volume 61, Number 1, January 1983. DOI: 10.1139/z83-027
1982): Territoriality of Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus wintering in Panama. International Wader Study Group Bulletin. Volume 34: 37–39.
Taverner (1942): The Distribution and Migration of the Hudsonian Curlew. The Wilson Bulletin, Volume 54, No. 1, pages 3-11.
Long-billed Curlew (N. americanus)
Conlisk et al (2024): Factors influencing shorebird use of post-harvest flooded rice fields in California's Sacramento Valley. The Journal of Wildlife Management, Volume 8, issue 8. DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22661 [Open Access]
Freitag (2024): Examining impacts of climate change and habitat loss on the distribution of long-billed curlews, a species at risk in Canada. MSc Thesis. [Open Access]
Poessel et al (2024): Abundance of Long-billed Curlews on military lands in the Columbia Basin. Avian Conservation and Ecology, Volume 19, issue 1, article 14. DOI: 10.5751/ACE-02616-190114 [Open Access]
Coates, Hayes and Carlisle (2021): IBO Long-billed Curlew Research and Community Education: 2021 Status Report. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.17649.61282 [Open Access via ResearchGate]
Varela et al (2020): Morphological and molecular data on a new species of Plagiorhynchus Lühe, 1911 (Acanthocephala: Plagiorhynchidae) from the long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus) from northern Mexico. Journal of Helminthology, Volume 94, e61. DOI: 10.1017/S0022149X19000543
Coates, Wright, and Carlisle (2019): Long-billed curlew nest site selection and success in the Intermountain West. The Journal of Wildlife Management, Volume 83, Issue 5, pages 1197-1213. DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21661
Coates (2018): Building the Full Annual Cycle Picture for Long-Billed Curlews: Correlates of Nest Success in the Breeding Grounds and Spatial Distribution and Site Fidelity in the Wintering Grounds. Boise State University Theses and Dissertations. 1375. DOI: 10.18122/td/1375/boisestate
Page at al (2014): Annual migratory patterns of Long-billed Curlews in the American West. The Condor, Volume 116, Issue 1, pages 50-61. DOI: 10.1650/CONDOR-12-185-R2.1 [Open Access]
Gregory (2011): Reproductive ecology of the Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) in Western Nebraska. MSc Thesis. DOI: 10.31274/etd-180810-2972. [Open Access]
Fellows and Jones (2009): Status assessment and conservation action plan for the Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus). Biological Technical Publication, BTP-R6012-2009. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C., USA. [Open Access]
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Hartman (2008). Behavioral ecology and population biology of Long-billed Curlews in northeastern Nevada. Dissertation. University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA.
Nan Clarke (2006): Reproductive ecology of Long-billed Curlews breeding in grazed landscapes of western South Dakota. MSc thesis.
Connolly and Colwell (2005): Comparative use of longline oysterbeds and adjacent tidal flats by waterbirds. Bird Conservation International, Volume 15, Issue 3, pages 237-255. DOI: 10.1017/S0959270905000420 [Open Access]
Pampush and Anthony (1993): Nest success, habitat utilization and nest-site selection of Long-billed Curlews in the Columbia Basin, Oregon. Condor, Volume 95, Issue 4, pages 957–967. DOI: 10.2307/1369431 [Open Access]
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Redmond and Jenni (1986): Population Ecology of the Long-Billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) in Western Idaho. Auk, Volume 103, pages 755–767. DOI: 10.1093/auk/103.4.755 [Open Access]
McNeil, Rodriguez and Mercier (1985): Winter Range Expansion of the Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) to South America. The Auk, Volume 102, Issue 1, Article 27.
Redmond and Jenni (1982): Natal philopatry and breeding area fidelity of Long-billed Curlews (Numenius americanus): patterns and evolutionary consequences. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, Volume 10, pages 277–279. DOI: 10.1007/BF00302817
Redmond, R. L., T. K. Bicak, and D. A. Jenni. 1981. An evaluation of breeding season census techniques for Long-billed Curlews (Numenius americanus). Studies in Avian Biology 6:197–201.
Little Curlew (N. minutus)
Altmann (2006): Discovery of two new breeding grounds of Little Curlew (Numenius minutus) outside the known breeding range in Siberia. Journal of Ornithology, Volume 147, DOI: 10.1007/s10336-006-0073-5
Collins and Jessop (2001): Arrival and departure dates and habitat of Little Curlew Numenius minutus at Broome, North-western Australia. The Stilt, Volume 39, July 2001, pages 10-12. [Open Access]
Garnett and Minton (1985): Notes on the movements and distribution of little curlew 'Numenius minutus' in Northern Australia. Australian Bird Watcher, Volume 11, Issue 3, pages 69-73.
Labutin, Leonovitch and Veprintsev (1982): The Little Curlew Numenius minutus in Siberia. IBIS, Volume 124, Issue 3, pages 302-319. DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-919X.1982.tb03775.x
Far Eastern Curlew (N. madagascariensis)
Little et al (2023): Site fidelity of Far Eastern Curlew in Port Stephens estuary. The Whistler, Volume 17, pages 84-87. [Open Access]
Morrick et al (2022): Differential population trends align with migratory connectivity in an endangered shorebird. Conservation Science and Practice, Volume 4, Issue 1, e594. DOI: 10.1111/csp2.594 [Open Access]
Teepol et al (2021): Long-term count data demonstrate the regional significance of Bako-Buntal Bay, Malaysian Borneo, for wintering shorebird conservation. Wader Study, Volume 128, Issue 2, pages 174-182. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00239 [Open Access]
Antonov (2010): Nesting ecology of the eastern curlew, Numenius madagascariensis (Linnaeus, 1766) in the south of the species range. Russian Journal of Ecology, Volume 41, pages 345-346. DOI: 10.1134/S1067413610040119
Antonov, A.I., The State of Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) Population in the Amur Region: Survey and Monitoring, in Aktual’nye voprosy v oblasti okhrany prirodnoi sredy (Current Problems in Nature Conservation), Moscow: FGU VNIIprirody, 2009, pp. 94–98.
Zharikov and Skilleter (2004): Why do eastern curlews (Numenius madagascariensis) feed on prey that lowers intake rate before migration? Journal of Avian Biology, Volume 35, Issue 6, pages 465-558. DOI: 10.1111/csp2.594 [Open Access]
Driscoll and Ueta (2002): The migration route and behaviour of Eastern Curlews Numenius madagascariensis. IBIS, Volume 144, Issue 3, pages E119-E130. DOI: 10.1046/j.1474-919X.2002.00081.x
Ueta and Antonov (2000): Habitat Preference of Eastern Curlews at Breeding Site. Emu, Volume 100, pages 72–74. DOI: 10.1071/MU00902
Gerasimov, Artukhin and Gerasimov (1997): The Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis in Kamchatka, Russia. Stilt, vol. 30, pp. 14–15.
Shibnev (1976): Brief Notes on the Far Eastern Curlew, Redkie, ischezayushchie i maloizuchennye ptitsy SSSR (Rare, Endangered, and Poorly Studied Bird Species in the Soviet Union), Ryazan: Ryazan. Knizhn. Izd.
Bristle-thighed Curlew (N. tahitiensis)
Jiguet (2023): Population trends, size, and potential threats to Bristle-thighed Curlew Numenius tahitiensis: new data from French Polynesia. Bird Conservation International, Volume 33, e62. DOI: 10.1017/S0959270923000151 [Open Access]
Tibbitts et al (2020): Factors promoting the recolonization of Oahu, Hawaii, by Bristle-thighed Curlews. Global Ecology and Conservation, Volume 21, March 220. e00785. DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00785 [Open Access]
Ruthrauff et al (2019): Measurements used to determine the sex of Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis): U.S. Geological Survey data release, DOI: 10.5066/P9X8J7 [Open Access]
Ruthrauff, Tibbitts and Patil (2019): Survival of Bristle-thighed Curlews equipped with externally mounted transmitters. Wader Study, Volume 126, Issue 2, pages 109-122. DOI: 10.18194/ws.00145 [Open Access]
Tibbitts (2016): Data from Bristle-thighed Curlews at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, O'ahu, Hawaii, 2012-2014. [Open Access]
Sonsthagen et al (2015): Spatial genetic structure of bristle-thighed curlews (Numenius tahitiensis): breeding area differentiation not reflected on the non-breeding grounds. Conservation Genetics, Volume 16, pages 223–233. DOI: 10.1007/s10592-014-0654-4
Dibben-Young (2011): Kioea, Bristle-thighed Curlew, Declared Official Bird of Kaunakakai, Moloka‘i. Elepaoi, Volume 71, number 8, December 2011. [Open Access]
Marks and Redmond (1996): Demography of Bristle-thighed Curlews Numenius tahitiensis wintering on Laysan Island. IBIS, Volume 138, Issue 3, pages 438-447. DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-919X.1996.tb08062.x
Lanctot et al (1995): Brood amalgation in the Bristle-thighed Curlew Numenius tahitiensis: process and function. IBIS, Volume 137, Issue 4, pages 559-569. DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-919X.1995.tb03267.x
Marks and Redmond (1994): Conservation problems and research needs for Bristle-thighed Curlews Numenius tahitiensis on their wintering grounds. Bird Conservation International, Volume 4, Issue 4, pages 329-341. DOI: 10.1017/S0959270900002872
Marks (1993): Molt of Bristle-thighed Curlews in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The Auk, Volume 110, Issue 3, pages 573-587. DOI: 10.2307/4088421 [Open Access]
Gill and Redmond (1992): Distribution, numbers, and habitat of Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis) on Rangiroa Atoll. Notornis, Volume 39, pages 17-26
Marks et al (1990): Notes on longevity and flightlessness in Bristle-thighed Curlews. The Auk, Volume 104, No. 4 (Oct 1990), pages 779-781. DOI: 10.2307/4088012
Eskimo Curlew (N. borealis)
Craig (2019): External anatomy, plumages, and historical distribution of the Eskimo Curlew (Numenius borealis). The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, Volume 131, Issue 3, pages 543-552. DOI: 10.16767/18-144
Fannes and Senner (1991): Status and Conservation of the Eskimo Curlew. American Birds. Volume 45, No.2, pages 236-238. [Open Access]
Gollop, Barry, and Iversen (1986): Eskimo Curlew: A vanishing species? Regina, Canad: Saskatchewan Natural History Society.
Hagar and Anderson (1977): Sight Record of Eskimo Curlew (Numenius borealis) on West Coast of James Bay, Canada. American Birds, March 1977, pages 135-136. [Open Access]
Weston and Williams (1965): Recent records of the Eskimo Curlew. The Auk, Volume 82, No. 3, pages 493-496. DOI: 10.2307/4083125
Williams (1959): Probably Eskimo on Galveston Island, Texas. The Auk, Volume 76, No. 4, pages 539-541. DOI: 10.2307/4082333
Mackay (1892): Habits of the Eskimo Curlew (Numenius borealis) in New England. The Auk, Volume 9, No. 1, pages 16-21. DOI: 10.2307/4067592
Slender-billed Curlew (N. tenuirostris)
Buchanen et al (2024): Global extinction of Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris). IBIS, Early View. DOI: 10.1111/ibi.13368 [Open Access]
- Curlew Action article | RSPB community post | BirdLife news article | NHM news article | Birdguides news article | BOU blog | Wader Tales blog post
Bond and Buchanan (2002), Eggs of the 'lost'Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Volume 142, Issue 4. pages 480-486. DOI: 10.25226/bboc.v142i4.2022.a7[Open Access]
Gretton, Yurlov, and Boere (2002): Where does the Slender-billed Curlew nest and what future does it have? British Birds, Volume 95, pages 334-344. [Open Access]
Sharko et al (2019): Phylogenetic position of the presumably extinct slender-billed curlew, Numenius tenuirostris. Mitochondrial DNA Part A, Volume 30, Issue 4, pages 626-631. DOI: 10.1080/24701394.2019.1597862
Pavia and Boano (2018): Recovery of skeletal elements and extended wing from a mounted specimen of the nearly extinct Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris). Rivista italiana di Ornitologia - Research in Ornithology, Volume 88, Issue 1, pages 9-14. DOI: 10.4081/rio.2018.340. [Open Access via ResearchGate]
Buchanan et al (2018): The potential breeding range of Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris identified from stable-isotope analysis. Bird Conservation International, Volume 28, Issue 2, pages 228-237. DOI: 10.1017/S0959270916000551
Corso, Jansen, and Kókay (2014): A review of the identification criteria and variability of the Slender-billed Curlew. British Birds, Volume 107, June 2014, pages 339–370. [Open Access, via ResearchGate]
Collinson et al (2014): The review of the record of Slender-billed Curlew at Druridge Bay, Northumberland. British Birds, Volume 107, July 2014, pages 389-404. [Open Access]
Buchanan, Crockford, and Gretton (2010): The Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris in Africa. Bulletin of the African Bird Club, Volume 17, Issue 2, pages 202-206. [Open Access]
Zenatello and Serra (2002): Ageing Slender-billed Curlews Numenius tenuirostris: a useful tip. Wader Study Group Bulletin, Volume 97, pages 49–50. [Open Access]
Gallo-Orsi and Boere (2001): The Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris: Threats and Conservation. Acta Ornithologica, Volume 36, issue 1. Pages 73-77. DOI: 10.3161/068.036.0102 [Open Access]
Boere and Yurlov (1998): In search of the Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris). Preliminary results of an expedition to wetlands and waterbirds of the Baraba and Karasuk steppe in the south of West Siberia, Russian Federation, 17 May - 22 June 1997. Wader Study Group Bulletin 85, pages 35–38. [Open Access]
Belik (1994): Where on earth does the Slender-billed Curlew breed? Wader Study Group Bulletin, Volume 75, pages 37-38.
Gretton (1991): The ecology and conservation of the Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris). Cambridge, UK: International Council for Bird Preservation.
Goutner and Handrinos (1990): The occurrence of slender-billed curlews Numenius tenuirostris in Greece. Biological Conservation, Volume 53, Issue 1, pages 47-60. DOI: 10.1016/0006-3207(90)90062-T
Ushakov (1912): More on the Slender-billed Curlew in Tara region. Nasha Okhota 17, pages 27–32.
Ushakov (1916): Nest and eggs of the Slender-billed Curlew. Ornitologicheskii Vestnik 7, pages 185–187.
Ushakov (1925): Colonial nesting of the Slender-billed Curlew in Tara district of Omsk province. Ural’skiy okhotnik 2, pages 32–35.