The Far Eastern Curlew is the largest shorebird to visit Australia and is easily distinguished by its very long down-curved bill.

Rarely seen inland, the curlew is widespread in coastal regions throughout north-east and south of Australia, including Tasmania, and scattered in other coastal areas.

This migratory species can fly as far as 11,000km making the journey from Australia to breed in Russia and north-eastern China, and whilst on passage, is commonly seen in Japan, Korea and Borneo.