curlew

Short definition: The word curlew refers to a large wading bird with a very long curved bill, commonly found in coastal marshes and open moorlands, known for its haunting calls and slow, graceful flight.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word curlew? The word curlew is mainly used in birdwatching, wildlife studies, and coastal nature writing. It refers to a large shorebird famous for its very long downcurved bill and haunting calls. You will hear it in discussions about wetlands, tidal flats, moorlands, and long-distance migration. Although not common in everyday conversation, it appears often in field guides and birding reports. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and informative.

Forms: curlew, curlews
Related: shorebird n., wader n., whimbrel n.
Syllable: cur-lew

1. (Noun) A large wading bird with a very long downcurved bill and long legs often seen along coasts and open wetlands.

   A curlew is a large migratory shorebird recognized by its extremely long curved bill brown mottled plumage and long legs, commonly found feeding on worms crabs and insects in mudflats marshes grasslands and coastal wetlands.

   The curlew slowly probed the wet mud with its long curved bill pulling out small creatures as the tide moved gently across the flat.
   Birdwatchers spotted the curlew from far away thanks to its tall shape and unmistakable bill silhouette.
   During migration curlews travel vast distances stopping at estuaries and coastal wetlands to rest and feed.

   Synonyms: shorebird, wading bird, coastal wader, migratory shorebird, long billed wader, wetland bird, tidal flat bird, probing bird, marsh bird, large wader, coastal species, mudflat feeder
   Antonyms: forest bird, tree dwelling bird, domestic bird, flightless bird, inland land bird, raptor, seed eating bird, woodland species, urban bird, non migratory bird, ground running bird, landlocked species

2. (Noun) A shorebird known for its loud haunting calls that carry over open landscapes.

   Curlews are also known for their distinctive echoing calls often described as mournful or haunting, which are commonly heard over open wetlands grasslands and coastal areas especially during breeding season.

   The haunting call of a curlew echoed across the marsh creating a quiet dramatic atmosphere at sunset.
   Many people associate the sound of curlews with wide open landscapes and untouched nature.
   Researchers note that curlew calls play an important role in communication and territory defense.

   Synonyms: vocal shorebird, calling wader, alert bird, signaling species, haunting call bird, warning bird, communicative wader, expressive shorebird, sound marker species, territorial caller, awareness bird, audible species
   Antonyms: silent bird, passive species, quiet shorebird, non vocal animal, indifferent bird, unalert species, calm wildlife, non defensive bird, unaware animal, quiet feeder, low response species, inactive bird