Eskimo Curlew

Status Formerly common transient, no recent records. Latest definite record of occurrence in Nova Scotia is a fragmentary specimen from Sable Island marked " ? fall of 1902" (McLaren 1981a). Another was on sale in the Halifax Public Market on 11 September 1897 (Piers' notes). Hickman (1896) recorded one on 24 May 1895 at Pictou and stated that the species was a common transient there in autumn but not in spring; this is suspect as he does not mention the Whimbrel. Other nineteenth century authors considered the bird uncommon; Jones (1885) noted that "this species, which was formerly very common, has now become exceedingly rare." A mounted specimen, without date, in the Nova Scotia Museum collection was probably taken in Nova Scotia; it was mounted by Downs about 1846 (Piers' notes).

Remarks This bird provides a striking example of the havoc that can be wrought in a relatively short period by uncontrolled slaughter inspired by human greed. Before the 1880s this species was abundant and virtually unmolested during its breeding season on the low arctic tundra of the northwest. On its southward migration route in autumn it had little to fear from humans well coated with fat, it took off from Nova Scotia in a direct over-water course for South America, covering some 4000 km or more, non-stop. It spent our winter months on the broad pampas of Argentina and Patagonia. On its return in the spring it passed up the Mississippi Valley and northward across Canada.

It was during this period of its travels that its annihilation was accomplished, apparently by excessive shooting, although climatic factors may also have been involved (Banks 1977). The birds travelled in immense flocks of close formation, making them particularly vulnerable. These birds had survived the long and hazardous over-water flight and other dangers incident to migration and were now close to their nesting range. Particularly unwary at that season, bewildered flocks, devastated by gunshot, would often return to decoys only to receive a second broadside. The last recorded bird collected in Canada was at Battle Creek, Labrador, on 29 August 1932. The appearance in recent years of several of these birds in Canada and the United States, and the deplorable killing of one in Barbados, the West Indies, on 4 September 1963, furnish evidence that the Eskimo Curlew is still extant.

In life it is best distinguished from its close relative the Whimbrel by its smaller size, but both birds have to be seen together to make the comparison. A curlew in the hand can best be identified by noting the colour pattern on the underside of the outer primaries. In the Eskimo Curlew these are unmarked buff, but in the Whimbrel they are buff, barred with darker brown.