Eurasian Curlew or Far Eastern Curlew? (Kyushu, Japan) (1 Viewer)

[Faer Out]

I thought I was just shooting photos of Whimbrels until I processed them later and realized 2 of the birds were much larger.

My guestimate: Eastern Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata orientalis

Can anyone ID the Curlews in these pictures? Unfortunately I only got the Whimbrels in flight. But at least there are the Siberian Whimbrels and Japanese Great Cormorants for size comparison.

 

[foresttwitcher]

I've not seen one, so keep that in mind, but the buff on the underparts (as opposed to white) and the shape of the flank streaking look better for Far Eastern Curlew; but the bill does not particularly long. I don't know if the local sub-species of Eurasian Curlew can also show this underpart colouration. Wait for others with more experience to confirm or correct.

 

[sicklebill]

Looks good for Far Eastern Curlew to me

 

[johnallcock]

Agree with Far Eastern. The buff underparts are usually the most useful feature for me.

 

[Faer Out]

@foresttwitcher @sicklebill @johnallcock Thank you very much!