The word “curlew” refers to a type of wading bird belonging to the genus Numenius, which is part of the family Scolopacidae. Curlews are characterized by their long, slender bodies, long legs, and distinctive long, curved bills, which they use to probe mud and sand for food such as insects, crustaceans, and worms. They are often found in coastal wetlands, marshes, and grasslands. The term can also refer to specific species, such as the common curlew (Numenius arquata) and the whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus).
