Eskimo Curlew History: A Lost Bird of the Prairie

What Is the Eskimo Curlew and Why Is It Considered Lost?

The Eskimo Curlew (Numenius borealis) is a small shorebird that once migrated through the North American prairies in vast numbers but is now believed to be extinct or nearly so. Its historical range stretched from Arctic breeding grounds in Canada and Alaska, across the Great Plains during migration, to wintering areas in South America. The last confirmed sighting was in 1963, and despite sporadic unverified reports, no population has been found. For prairie birdwatchers, the Eskimo Curlew is a poignant reminder of how quickly abundant species can vanish.

Historical Range and Prairie Migration

The Eskimo Curlew's historical range included the tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies of the central United States and Canada. During spring migration, birds moved north through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, the Dakotas, and into the Canadian prairies, feeding on insects and berries. In fall, they staged in Labrador and flew nonstop over the Atlantic to South America, a remarkable journey for a shorebird. Prairie migration was a key part of their annual cycle, with flocks sometimes darkening the sky. Today, prairie birdwatchers can only imagine those spectacles.

What Habitats Did They Use on the Prairie?

Eskimo Curlews favored native prairie, especially recently burned or grazed areas with short vegetation, where they could find grasshoppers, crickets, and other invertebrates. They also used plowed fields and wet meadows. Their decline was accelerated by the conversion of native prairie to agriculture, which removed critical stopover habitat. When you walk a remnant prairie, look for shortgrass areas; that's where curlews would have fed.

Population Decline: A Cautionary Tale

The Eskimo Curlew's population decline was catastrophic. In the 1800s, they were among the most numerous shorebirds in North America, with estimates in the millions. Market hunting during migration and on wintering grounds took a heavy toll. The extinction of the Rocky Mountain grasshopper, a key food source, also contributed. By the early 1900s, the species was rare. The last confirmed nest was in 1866, and the last specimen was collected in 1922. The conservation status is now Critically Endangered (possibly extinct) according to the IUCN.

Historical Sightings and What They Teach Us

Historical sightings of Eskimo Curlews are valuable data for modern birders. Early naturalists like John James Audubon documented massive flocks. Detailed field notes from the 1800s describe their call—a soft, repetitive whistle—and their behavior. Today, any report of a possible Eskimo Curlew is taken seriously, and birders are encouraged to document carefully. The lesson for us: keep good field notes. Note date, location, weather, and behavior. Your notes could become historical records for future generations.

Conservation Status and What We Can Do

The conservation status of the Eskimo Curlew is a stark warning. It is protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but protection came too late. For prairie birdwatchers, the story underscores the importance of habitat conservation. Support prairie restoration, reduce pesticide use, and advocate for grasslands. When you are out birding, stay on trails, keep dogs leashed, and avoid disturbing ground-nesting birds. If you see an unusual curlew-like bird, take photos and report it to your local bird records committee.

Preparing for Prairie Birdwatching

To look for prairie birds, including any lingering curlews, prepare well. Wear sturdy boots for uneven ground, bring water, and use binoculars with good light-gathering ability. A field guide to shorebirds is helpful, though the Eskimo Curlew is unlikely. Learn the common curlews: the Long-billed Curlew is larger with a very long bill; the Whimbrel has a striped head. The Eskimo Curlew was smaller with a shorter, thinner bill and buffy underparts. Practice patient observation—prairie birds can be distant and skittish.

Conclusion: Remembering the Eskimo Curlew

The Eskimo Curlew's history is a lost chapter of the prairie. By understanding its historical range, migration, and decline, we honor its memory and strengthen our commitment to the birds that remain. Next time you walk a prairie trail, listen for the wind and imagine the curlew's whistle. Then note what you see—every observation matters.