One Curlew Extinct — The Slender-billed Song is Forever Gone

The mournful call of the curlew — rising over Irish bogs, estuaries and shorelines — has been part of our island’s soundtrack for generations. Today that sound is under threat. The confirmation that the Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) is now officially extinct is a devastating warning: even migratory birds that once seemed safe can slip away quietly if we do not act.

Here in Ireland the alarm is especially loud. Our native Eurasian Curlew — the bird many of us picture when we hear "curlew" — has seen catastrophic declines on breeding grounds across uplands and lowlands. The loss of the Slender-billed Curlew must be a wake-up call to protect the habitats, mudflats and rough pastures the remaining species rely on.

“The extinction of the Slender-billed Curlew must be a wake-up call for all of us who care about the natural world.” — BirdWatch Ireland

The seven curlews worth saving

Below are seven curlew species (including the extinct Slender-billed) — a quick guide to who they are, why they matter, and ways you can help. Each entry includes a suggested product link from For The Ocean you can use to raise funds or awareness (swap to the exact product page URLs you use).

1. Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) — Ireland’s voice of the wetlands

The Eurasian Curlew is the familiar large curlew of our shorelines and bogs, a symbol of wild Irish places. Its long bill and flute-like call are unmistakable. Declines are driven by loss of breeding habitat (drainage, changes to pasture), predation and disturbance.

Eurasian Curlew Eco Tote — shop · Learn about Ireland’s Curlew Conservation work (NPWS)

2. Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)

A North American cousin, noted for an exceptionally long bill and prairie breeding habitat. Its story reminds us that grassland and coastal conservation are linked across hemispheres.

Long-billed Curlew Print — shop · Species overview — All About Birds

3. Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis)

Arguably the largest curlew, dependent on tidal mudflats in Asia. Coastal reclamation and development at staging sites have driven steep declines — an echo of pressures facing Irish estuaries.

Far Eastern Curlew Awareness Poster — shop · BirdLife International

4. Little Curlew (Numenius minutus)

The smallest curlew — a long-distance migrant that exemplifies how even the most unobtrusive species need safe stopover sites and intact flyways.

Little Curlew Postcard Set — shop · Curlew Action — species facts

5. Bristle-thighed Curlew (Numenius tahitiensis)

Breeding in Alaska and wintering on remote Pacific atolls, this species’ island ecology highlights threats from introduced predators and habitat changes far from Ireland’s shores.

Bristle-thighed Curlew Canvas — shop

6. Hudsonian Whimbrel (Numenius hudsonicus)

Often treated alongside whimbrels, this species underscores the global nature of shorebird migration — connecting Arctic breeding grounds with distant wintering sites.

Hudsonian Whimbrel Eco Accessories — shop

7. Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) — Extinct

The delicate, grey-toned Slender-billed Curlew disappeared quietly. The last confirmed sightings were decades ago; the species is now listed as extinct. Its loss is a reminder of how subtle declines can lead to irreversible outcomes.

Slender-billed Curlew Memorial Print — shop · BirdWatch Ireland — reaction & analysis

How you can help — an Irish call to action

• Support habitat protection. Donate to or volunteer with local conservation and wetland restoration projects.
• Protect breeding ground: Back projects that reduce nest predation and restore rough grazed pastures and bogs.
• Raise awareness: Share this post, visit your local estuary responsibly and report curlew sightings to citizen science projects.
• Buy for impact: Choose items from For The Ocean where a portion of proceeds supports conservation partners (link your donation or partner page here).

At For The Ocean we pledge to donate [X%] of proceeds from selected curlew products to coastal & wetland conservation projects. Shop to support curlews