The curlew is a wader, normally found on the coast, or larger bodies of water. They move inland in the summer and can be found on rough and damp pastures. The Curlew is a large wader, identified by its long, downward curving bill. Like many waders they can be heard before they are seen, as they have a loud call when flying. One theory for its name is from the sound it makes, an unmistakable, plaintive, and haunting 'cur-lew' call.