long-billed curlew

Description

Numenius americanus The long-billed curlew is a bird native to North America and is the largest known shorebird/sandpiper. Its genus name "Numenius" translates to "the new moon" in reference to its almost crescent-shaped beaks. Their curved, protruding beaks are used to dig deep into sand and rocks to find prey likes hidden eggs, crabs, mollusks, and insects. After mating and having eggs, in 2-3 weeks, the female will leave the male to care for the eggs on his own. It doesn't mean that she won't breed with him again the following year, however. Accession number: 139.13