Curlew Day

Curlew Day is an annual American holiday dedicated to raising awareness about Curlews and promoting conservation efforts. It is observed on March 16.

History

Curlews are distinctive birds known for their long legs, curved claws, and slender, slightly curved beaks. These features allow them to probe deep into muddy wetlands in search of food such as frogs, worms, insects, and larvae.

Today, the Curlew Sandpiper is considered at risk of extinction. Human activity, including the draining of wetlands for agriculture and industrial development, has destroyed large areas of the birds’ natural habitat. This loss of habitat has caused a steady decline in their population. Curlew Day continues the conservation efforts inspired by Mary Colwell, who in 2017 launched an international initiative to draw global attention to the alarming decrease in Curlew numbers.

Interesting Facts

• One Curlew species, the Eskimo Curlew, is considered extinct. It once lived in northern Canada and Alaska. The last confirmed sightings date back to the 1960s.
• The Curlew population has declined by nearly 30 percent over the past fifteen years.
• The English name “Curlew” is believed to reflect the sound of the bird’s call.

How to Take Part

Learn more about Curlews and the challenges they face. On Curlew Day, explore conservation projects aimed at protecting these birds and preserving their natural habitats. Consider supporting organizations working to prevent further population decline.

Raise awareness online by sharing information about Curlew Day on social media. Encourage discussions about effective conservation strategies and ways people can help protect these remarkable birds.

When is Curlew Day in 2026?

Curlew Day is observed on March 16 each year.

Observations