The Great Return

Eastern Curlews Arrive In Mackay After Massive Migration

Australia’s largest migratory shorebird - the eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) – has recently been spotted on the beaches around Mackay.

This critically endangered species travels up to 20,000 kilometres each year via the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. The route takes them to Australia from their European summer nesting sites in northern China and Russia.

After thousands of kilometres of flying, the eastern curlew can lose between 40% to 70% of its body weight and even begin to digest its muscles for energy. Therefore, it is essential for them to rest and feed undisturbed when they arrive in Australia to replenish their energy and recover from the exhausting journey.

Unknown to many, their global population has seen declines of up to 80% in the last 30 years. During the austral summer non-breeding season, an estimated 73% of the species’ population migrate to Australia, emphasising the importance of protecting this species when visiting our shores.

Reef Catchments, the local Natural Resource Management (NRM) Group, are thrilled to commence a four-year project that aims to support efforts to reverse the trajectory of critically endangered eastern curlew, as well as the endangered red goshawk, within the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region.

Reef Catchments Project Officer, Kellie Best, elaborates, “The project will deliver fauna surveys and targeted habitat restoration activities as well as support feral animal management across the region.”

The eastern curlew is known for being skittish and will take flight at the first sign of danger. In particular, unrestrained domestic dogs running along the beach are a major disturbance to the birds while trying to eat and rest.

The Mackay/Central QLD Coast is an important roosting area for rebuilding muscle and fat. To help our visiting eastern curlews, beachgoers are encouraged to observe them from a distance (100m+) and use a leash when walking dogs to avoid frightening and chasing shorebirds, burning vital energy.

Local birdwatchers can enjoy spotting these beautiful birds along our coastline. They have a predominantly coastal distribution and can be seen on coastal sand/mudflats and wetland areas.

Eastern curlews can often suffer from mistaken identity and are best recognised by their distinctive beak, which is long and curves downwards, averaging 18 centimetres long. They use their long bills when foraging for food, such as crustaceans and small molluscs, by probing in the sediment.

This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Reef Catchments, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel. Reef Catchments are the Natural Resource Management (NRM) group for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region. It facilitates change and works for long-term solutions to sustain, protect, and improve our region’s natural resources and environment, now and into the future.

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Eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) at Bucasia Beach, August 2024 (photo credit: Kellie Best)

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