black sea red data book - Department of Biology

Synonyms: None.
jNumenius arquata (Linnaeus, 1758))
Common names: Engl: Curlew; Rom: Culic mare; Russ: Kronshnep bolshoy; Turk:
Kervan cullugu; Ukr: Kronshnep velyky.
Order CHARADRIIFORMES
Family SCOLOPACIDAE
Taxonomic description. Resident population size not more than eight pairs. During
migration, local concentrations of up to 70 specimens may occur.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Lowland estuaries,
brackish lake shores, and marine sandy beaches are the main breeding habitats. The
nest has been found on fallow land. Concentrates in coastal and shallow areas during
migration.
Biology. A breeding, migratory, summer vagrant and overwintering species. Arrives
from the beginning of March to mid April. Small groups and single birds occur in
May-June. Breeding ecology insufficiently studied. A well incubated clutch was
found on 25 April. Adult birds with a brood were recorded on 27 May. Autumn
migration from August to early November. The most intensive movements usually in
October. Single birds and small groups spend winter in the area. Their diet is animal
(terrestrial insects and their larvae, worms, polychaetes, molluscs and tadpoles).
Population trends. In recent years, the species has developed an ability to occupy
new habitats, such as the agrocoenosis.
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