Bristle-thighed Curlew

Himatione fraithii

The Bristle-thighed Curlew is a large shorebird with a distinctive long, down-curved bill and mottled brown plumage. It is known for its unique bristles on the sides of its thighs, which give it its name. These birds breed in the tundra of Alaska and Siberia, and migrate to the Pacific islands for the winter. They forage for insects, crustaceans, and small mollusks in coastal mudflats and marshes. Bristle-thighed Curlews are known for their long-distance migrations, with some individuals traveling over 9,000 miles during their annual journey.

Habitat: Coastal mudflats and marshes