Calidris ferruginea, commonly known as the Curlew Sandpiper, is a migratory bird species belonging to the family Scolopacidae. It is a small wading bird mainly found in the northern hemisphere, specifically breeding in the Arctic regions of Siberia. During the non-breeding season, it migrates to warm coastal areas in Africa, Asia, and Australia.
The Curlew Sandpiper has distinct physical characteristics that aid in its identification. It has a long and slightly downcurved bill, a white belly, and a unique color pattern on its plumage. In its breeding plumage, the male Curlew Sandpiper features rust-colored feathers, while the female possesses a more subdued brownish-gray plumage. These distinctions become less prominent during the non-breeding season, as both sexes showcase a gray-brown coloration.
Habitat-wise, this species prefers coastal environments such as tidal flats, mudflats, and wetlands, which provide an abundant source of invertebrates like small crustaceans and mollusks, crucial for their diet. During migration, they may also be found in freshwater habitats or inland wetlands.
The Curlew Sandpiper is known for its long migratory journeys, traveling thousands of kilometers each year between its breeding and non-breeding grounds. Their migration routes typically follow the coasts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with population-specific routes.
However, this species faces numerous environmental and anthropogenic threats. Loss of critical breeding habitat due to climate change, increasing levels of pollution, habitat degradation, and disturbance during staging and wintering areas pose significant challenges to the conservation of Calidris ferruginea populations. Therefore, ongoing efforts focused on raising awareness and implementing conservation measures are crucial to ensure the survival
