Numenius arquata
Although the curlew nests in small numbers scattered across France (particularly on the Manche-Atlantique coast, in the Sartre and western Britanny), the species is mainly present during migration for individuals from Northern Europe, Eastern Europe and Siberia, who stopover and may continue on their way to winter further south on the Iberian Peninsula or as far south as Africa. More than 30,000 individuals remain to winter along the French coast.
Eurasian curlews are large waders that are most often seen in coastal wetlands with mudflats and sandbanks uncovered at low tide, in large estuaries.
The species is in decline throughout its range, particularly in France, and has historically been hunted. The hunting of Eurasian curlews in France has been the subject of much debate. It is now suspended until August 2024.
As with many species, there are other pressures on these populations, such as habitat fragmentation and degradation, poisonning by ingestion of lead pellets.
: Migratory visitor in France
: Breeding in France
: Wintering in France