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Little Curlew (Numenius minutus)

The Little Curlew is a small, strongly migratory wader that occurs mainly across northern Australia, with some birds moving south into inland grasslands and along the coasts. It can occur on airfields, playing fields, pasture and other open grasslands on or near works sites, and is protected as an EPBC Act listed migratory species. It is least concern in Australia, but actions likely to significantly affect listed migratory habitat may require referral, and Queensland has additional protection for its breeding places.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Listed migratory. Listed under the Bonn Convention, CAMBA, JAMBA and ROKAMBA. Listed migratory species are a matter of national environmental significance, so a significant impact needs referral.

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Special least concern. A least concern bird covered by an international migratory bird agreement. Tampering with its breeding place needs a high risk species management program.

Western Australia, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Specially protected (migratory).

Migration and breeding season

Little Curlews arrive in Australia from late September, with most birds present from October to March, and depart mainly from late March to mid April. Arrival is earlier in north western Australia and later in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Important habitat includes short or dry tussock grassland, coastal and black soil plains, pasture, airfields, playing fields, irrigated grassland and areas near shallow fresh water.

Breeding mode: Ground nesting in loose colonies in Siberia and northern Russia.

Breeding region: Northern montane taiga, from south of Taimyr across Yakutia to west central Chukotka.

Nest site: A ground scrape in an open area, often where vegetation has been recently burned.

Clutch size: Not recorded.

Incubation: Not recorded.

Fledging: Not recorded.

Age at maturity and breeding frequency: Not recorded.

Timing varies between years and regions, particularly between north western Australia and the Gulf of Carpentaria, so pre-clearing surveys should account for birds that may arrive or depart earlier than the usual window.

  • Breeding overseas, Siberia and northern Russia: Birds reach the breeding grounds in early May, but the full breeding calendar is not well documented.
  • Southward arrival in Australia: Arrival begins in late September in the north west, while Gulf of Carpentaria arrivals can occur in December before the wet season.
  • Non-breeding presence in Australia: The main Australian presence is October to March, with birds using northern coastal plains, inland grasslands and suitable irrigated or disturbed grasslands.
  • Northward departure from Australia: Departure usually starts in the last week of March and most birds have left by mid April.
  • Highest clearing risk: Risk is highest from October to March when birds may be concentrated in grasslands, plains, airfields, playing fields, irrigated areas and wetland margins, with additional risk during September and April movement.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Little Curlew is the smallest curlew. It is a compact, brown wader that can be difficult to detect in tussock grass, especially when birds crouch or remain still.

The bill is long, fine and down-curved. It is black with a pink base. The legs are grey.

The upperparts are dark brown with cream-buff spotting. The throat is white and finely streaked. The breast and flanks are buff with dark streaking, while the belly and vent are white.

Breeding birds are generally more buff below. Juveniles are darker and have less pronounced spotting.

  • Length: 28 to 31 cm.
  • Wingspan: 68 to 71 cm.
  • Average weight: about 175 g.

Identification: Calls and similar species

The call is a repetitive whistle. No echolocation is used.

A Whimbrel is larger, about 30 percent bigger, with a longer and thicker bill. The Whimbrel is bulkier and less upright, and lacks the Little Curlew's golden-brown appearance.

A Pacific Golden Plover can look similar in posture and behaviour, but does not have the Little Curlew's long, down-curved bill.

Identification: Field signs

Little Curlews may be hard to see among tussocks. An alarmed flock can squat low in short grass and become almost invisible. Birds may also be reluctant to fly.

Look for small to large groups in short grassland, especially after rain or near shallow freshwater pools and dams. Flocks are not always cohesive, and birds may break into smaller parties or pairs.

Species-specific droppings, whitewash, odour and ground stains are not reliable field indicators. A ground scrape belongs to the breeding range in Siberia, not to the Australian non-breeding grounds.

Distribution: Australian range

In Australia, the Little Curlew is mainly a northern migrant. It is recorded across all Australian states and territories, although most birds occur in northern Australia and fewer reach southern areas.

Important Australian areas include the coastal plains of north-western Australia and the southern and south-eastern Gulf of Carpentaria. Records include Roebuck Plains, Roebuck Bay, Broome and Anna Plains in Western Australia, the Darwin area and Fogg Dam in the Northern Territory, and the Normanton to Karumba region, Karumba Plain, Armstrong Plain and Richmond district in Queensland.

The species is mapped in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. Small flocks and individuals have been recorded in southern Australia, including as far south as St Kilda in South Australia.

Distribution: Regional movements

After arrival in the north, some birds spread south along the east coast or move into the continent's interior. They may disperse into inland grasslands when the rains arrive.

The Darwin area is used during October and November and again in March and April. Birds appear to be absent from that area during the height of the wet season, although movements between northern regions are not fully understood.

Distribution: Overseas range

The Little Curlew breeds in Siberia, from south of Taimyr across Yakutia to west-central Chukotka. It migrates through China and Russia, with migration also involving eastern Mongolia, Transbaikalia, Borneo, the Philippines and Taiwan.

The species is a regular migrant in Australia, not a vagrant. It is listed under the Bonn Convention, CAMBA, JAMBA and ROKAMBA.

Habitat: Grassland and open ground

On Australian sites, search open grassland rather than dense woodland or tidal mudflat. The species usually uses dry, short or recently disturbed grassland, and may occur well inland from the coast.

Preferred habitat is short tussock grassland. Suitable areas can include dry grassland, pasture, airfields, playing fields, lawns and open plains.

Look across broad, level or gently sloping ground with low vegetation and clear sight lines. Recently burnt grassland and black-soil plains may also be used.

  • Coastal plains and inland plains.
  • Dry or short tussock grassland.
  • Pasture and cultivation.
  • Airfields, playing fields and irrigated lawns.
  • Black-soil plains and recently burnt grassland.

Habitat: Water and wet-season features

Areas around shallow freshwater pools, dams and other wet-season water features may attract birds. The species can move inland as rain produces suitable grassland conditions.

At works sites, inspect grassed margins around dams, drainage lines, temporary pools and irrigated areas, particularly where the surrounding vegetation is short.

Habitat: Less typical habitat

The Little Curlew is rarely found in intertidal areas. Coastal occurrence does not mean that mangroves, mudflats or tidal sandflats are its usual habitat.

Do not limit searches to wetlands. Open terrestrial grassland can be more relevant than the nearby shoreline.

Foraging habitat: Foraging areas

Little Curlews feed mainly in open grassland and other soft-ground areas. They probe soft mud for small invertebrates, but detailed information about their Australian diet and feeding rates is limited.

Inspect short grassland, damp ground and soft soil around shallow freshwater pools and dams. Suitable areas may occur on pasture, airfields, playing fields, cultivation and open plains.

At coastal sites, check saline grasslands such as the Roebuck Plains area. Urban irrigated grassland, including sports ovals and golf-course lawns, can also be used after arrival.

Foraging habitat: What to look for

Search for birds walking slowly through short vegetation and probing the ground. Feeding flocks may be spread out rather than tightly grouped.

Grass that is too tall can conceal birds. At Karumba, grass was recorded up to 3 m high and impeded observations, so use careful scanning and consider flushing risk before entering dense patches.

Foraging habitat: Site assessment

Record the location of feeding birds, flock size, vegetation height, soil moisture, nearby water and any disturbance. Revisit suitable areas at different stages of the wet season where the project program allows.

Use high-powered binoculars or a telescope from a vantage point where possible. Avoid walking through occupied feeding areas unless access is necessary.

Breeding habitat: Breeding range and habitat

Little Curlews breed in the Northern Hemisphere and do not normally breed in Australia. Australian works sites should therefore be managed as non-breeding or migratory habitat, while recognising that Queensland law gives additional protection to breeding places of certain migratory birds.

Breeding occurs in Siberia, in open areas within northern montane taiga. The species uses recently burned open ground and has also been described as breeding in forest clearings in river valleys.

The nest is a ground scrape. Few nests have been found, and numerical information on clutch size, incubation and fledging is limited.

Breeding habitat: Australian breeding-place considerations

There is no established Australian breeding habitat for the Little Curlew. Do not interpret an Australian grassland flock as evidence of local breeding.

In Queensland, the Little Curlew is a special least concern animal because it is a least concern bird covered by JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA or the Bonn Convention. Tampering with its breeding place requires a high risk species management program. For project-specific advice, confirm the current regulatory requirements before clearing.

Breeding habitat: Practical works guidance

If a suspected nest or breeding place is reported, stop work in the immediate area and have a suitably qualified ecologist assess it. Record photographs, location, habitat, activity and the basis for the identification.

Do not create or remove ground scrapes, burn open areas, or disturb suspected breeding habitat overseas without the relevant approvals. Australian projects should focus on protecting occupied non-breeding habitat and avoiding significant impacts on listed migratory habitat.

Sheltering habitat: Likely sheltering areas

Specific Little Curlew roost sites are not well defined. Birds generally use open grassland and may gather in flocks, so sheltering areas can be overlooked when birds crouch among short tussocks.

Check short tussock grassland, dry grassland, pasture, airfields, playing fields, lawns and open plains. Areas near shallow freshwater pools and dams may provide shelter as well as feeding opportunities.

At northern coastal sites, inspect saline grasslands and open ground behind or near wetland areas. The species is rarely found in intertidal habitat itself.

Sheltering habitat: Roosting behaviour

Little Curlews can form sizeable winter flocks, but species-specific roost sizes are not established. Groups may spread out, merge, or break into smaller parties.

Birds may crouch low and become difficult to see. A quiet scan from the edge of a site is often more effective than walking through the grass.

Sheltering habitat: Disturbance management

Avoid unnecessary vehicle movements, pedestrian access, dog activity, earthworks and night lighting near occupied grassland. Maintain a practical exclusion area around observed birds until an ecologist has assessed their use of the site.

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, schedule works outside periods of known use where practicable, retain suitable open habitat nearby, and monitor whether birds continue to use it.

Migration and seasonal presence: Arrival in Australia

The Little Curlew is a long-distance migrant between Siberia and Australia. Arrival and departure dates vary between regions, but northern Australian use is concentrated from late September or October to March or April.

Birds arrive in north-western Australia from mid-September, with most arrivals during October. Roebuck Bay records place general arrival in the third week of September, while birds were present at Anna Plains by 18 October.

Arrival in north-west Queensland is later. Birds may appear shortly before the wet season begins in early December. Some birds then move into inland grasslands as rain produces suitable conditions.

  • North-western Australia: late September to October.
  • North-west Queensland: shortly before early December in the records described.
  • Darwin area: commonly October and November, with a later period in March and April.

Migration and seasonal presence: Australian non-breeding season

Birds may remain on the coastal plains of north-western Australia from October to March and near Karumba from December to April. These areas include Roebuck Plains, Anna Plains, the Gulf of Carpentaria coast and adjacent inland grasslands.

Roebuck Bay counts have included up to 5,000 Little Curlews. A count of 250,000 at Fogg Dam was also reported historically, although the record may have represented only part of a larger population.

Migration and seasonal presence: Departure and passage

Most birds leave Australia from late March to mid-April. Departure from Roebuck Bay usually begins in the last week of March and can continue to mid-April. Birds have been observed flying north-west from Roebuck Plains and from beaches north of Roebuck Bay.

Birds from north-western Australia probably fly directly to Indonesia. Birds from the Gulf of Carpentaria may move through the coastal plains of the Northern Territory before continuing north. The broader route includes China, eastern Mongolia, Transbaikalia, Borneo, the Philippines and Taiwan.

Migration and seasonal presence: Important habitat for project planning

Important habitat in Australia includes regularly used coastal plains, saline grasslands, short tussock grassland, inland plains, black-soil plains, pasture, airfields, playing fields and irrigated lawns. Repeated use by Little Curlews, especially by large flocks, should be treated as a strong habitat consideration.

Listed migratory species are a matter of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act. Refer actions that are likely to have a significant impact, including clearing, construction, hydrological change or sustained disturbance of important habitat.

Threats: Clearing and habitat conversion

The main risks on Australian works sites are habitat loss and disturbance of open grassland. Risks can increase when birds are hard to see, when wet-season movements concentrate them, or when works remove the only suitable short grassland nearby.

Clearing, grading, cultivation, drainage and development can remove short grassland, saline plains, freshwater margins and other areas used for feeding or shelter.

Retain suitable open habitat where practicable. Avoid replacing broad grassland with dense plantings, tall landscaping or hard surfaces where the area is regularly used by the species.

Threats: Disturbance and displacement

Vehicles, machinery, pedestrians, dogs, off-road activity, construction noise and repeated low-level disturbance can displace birds from feeding or sheltering areas.

Use designated access routes, keep personnel and vehicles out of occupied grassland, and avoid unnecessary disturbance during the September to April period when birds may be present.

Threats: Hydrology, fire and vegetation change

Drainage, altered water regimes, dewatering, pollution and changes to wet-season pools can reduce the value of open plains and grassland. Excessively tall grass can make habitat less usable or make birds difficult to detect.

Fire can create suitable open areas in some landscapes, but poorly planned burning can remove feeding habitat or disturb birds. Manage fire, mowing and grazing to maintain a mosaic of short open grassland without destroying occupied habitat.

Threats: Cumulative and off-site impacts

Loss of several small grassland areas can reduce the value of a wider movement network. This is relevant where birds move between coastal plains, inland grasslands and freshwater areas.

Consider connected habitat, wet-season access, nearby roosting or feeding areas and disturbance from associated roads, lighting, stock, dogs and public recreation. Seek ecological and regulatory advice where a project may significantly affect listed migratory habitat.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Little Curlews are migratory grassland waders that can be difficult to detect. They may sit among tussocks, squat when alarmed and remain reluctant to fly, so surveys need careful scanning and repeated coverage of suitable habitat.

Map short, open and dry grassland before planning field work. Include pasture, airfields, playing fields, lawns, black-soil plains, recently burnt grassland, coastal plains and areas near shallow freshwater.

Treat northern Australian grasslands as potentially important habitat during the species' usual stay from September or October to March or April. Review records from local databases, councils, bird observatories, landholders and previous ecological surveys.

Check whether the site is on or near an important roost, wetland, coastal plain or known concentration area. Large flocks have been recorded at Roebuck Bay, Fogg Dam and in the Gulf of Carpentaria region.

Survey methodology: 2. Field detection

Search suitable grassland on foot and from vantage points using high-powered binoculars and a telescope where available.

Scan slowly between tussocks and across open ground. Check birds that appear to be Pacific Golden Plovers or other small waders, as posture alone can be misleading.

Look for the long, fine, down-curved bill, grey legs, brown and buff plumage, and white belly. Check any suspected flock carefully because birds may be spread out, paired or hidden in grass.

Use transects and area searches that cover the full grassland patch, including edges of dams, shallow freshwater pools, tracks and recently burnt areas.

Survey methodology: 3. Timing and survey conditions

Target surveys from late September or October to April when birds are expected in Australia. In northern Queensland, include surveys from early December because arrival can be later than in north-western Australia.

Repeat surveys across the expected arrival, wet-season and departure periods where the project may affect extensive or high-value habitat. Birds may gather in April and May before departure, although most leave Australia during the first two weeks of April.

Survey in conditions that allow quiet observation and clear visibility. Avoid relying on a single survey after heavy rain, strong wind, poor visibility or rapid changes in water level.

Where habitat is connected to tidal wetlands or coastal roosts, survey relevant tidal phases and check high-tide roost areas as well as feeding areas.

Survey methodology: 4. Records and reporting

Record the date, start and finish time, observers, weather, visibility, survey route, survey method and search conditions.

Record each observation with location, number of birds, behaviour, habitat, flock spread, direction of movement and whether birds were feeding, resting, drinking, roosting or moving through the site.

Map areas of short grassland, feeding habitat, freshwater, roosting habitat, flock concentrations and flight paths. Photograph representative habitat and any disturbance or threatening activity.

Report negative results with the same care as positive results. State which habitat was searched and whether detection was limited by tall grass, heat, rain, access or other conditions.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Plan clearing around the species' migratory use of Australia and avoid removing suitable grassland while birds are present where practicable. Confirm legal obligations before work starts, especially where the action may significantly affect listed migratory birds.

Screen the action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Refer the action if it is likely to have a significant impact on Little Curlews or other listed migratory species.

In Queensland, treat the Little Curlew as a special least concern animal because it is a least concern bird covered by JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA and the Bonn Convention. Obtain a high risk species management program before tampering with a breeding place.

Check state and territory wildlife requirements before clearing, handling, relocating or rehabilitating any bird. Obtain approvals for fauna survey, salvage, relocation and animal care where required.

Include the species in the project's fauna management plan, environmental management plan, clearing permit and stop-work procedure.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and timing

Retain connected areas of short, open grassland, freshwater margins and known feeding or roosting areas. Avoid unnecessary fragmentation and keep vehicle routes away from occupied habitat.

Schedule major clearing outside the main Australian presence period where practicable. In northern Australia, assume birds may be present from late September or October to March or April. In north-west Queensland, allow for arrival from early December.

Do not assume that a site is unused because birds are absent on one day. Use seasonal records, repeat surveys and local rainfall conditions to guide the timing decision.

Avoid works near occupied flocks, high-tide roosts and freshwater concentration areas until a qualified ecologist has assessed the risk.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance inspection and buffers

Complete a pre-clearance inspection shortly before works begin and again after any substantial change in weather, water level or site use.

Mark occupied habitat, flock locations, roosts, feeding areas and access routes on site plans. Establish no-go areas around these locations based on the ecologist's assessment of disturbance risk, visibility, terrain and the proposed activity.

Do not use a generic buffer where a site-specific buffer can be set. Increase the exclusion area if birds repeatedly flush, stop feeding, move into unsafe areas or cannot settle.

If a suspected breeding place, colony, roost or concentrated flock is found, stop the relevant work and obtain advice before proceeding. Little Curlews breed in Siberia, but Australian legal obligations may still apply to a breeding place or to other protected fauna using the site.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Induction and site controls

Induct all workers, machine operators, supervisors and subcontractors before entry. Show photographs or field descriptions of the Little Curlew and explain that it may remain still and hidden in grass.

Mark exclusion areas with fencing, bunting and signs. Keep dogs, vehicles, machinery, aircraft and unnecessary personnel out of these areas.

Set a clear authority for the fauna spotter catcher or project ecologist to stop work. Include the stop-work signal, contact details, escalation pathway and release criteria in the site induction.

Control night lighting, dust, noise, off-road driving and access to wetland or roosting areas. Keep stockpiles, spoil and equipment out of retained grassland.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Use a staged approach that gives birds a chance to move away before machinery enters. A qualified fauna spotter catcher must be able to stop work immediately when a Little Curlew or other protected fauna is detected.

Clear in small, progressive sections rather than opening the whole site at once. Work from the least suitable or already disturbed area towards retained habitat so mobile birds can move away from machinery.

Inspect each section immediately before clearing and continue watching during initial vegetation removal. Pause if birds are detected, flushed repeatedly or found sheltering in grass.

Keep an escape route to suitable retained habitat. Do not drive birds towards roads, water hazards, fences, active machinery or isolated vegetation remnants.

Avoid clearing occupied grassland during the main migration and Australian presence period unless the approved environmental controls allow it and the ecologist confirms the risk is acceptable.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Fauna spotter catcher controls

Give the fauna spotter catcher authority to stop work without seeking further approval from the machine operator.

Allow only authorised and appropriately licensed people to handle, contain, examine or release a bird. Do not chase a Little Curlew through dense grass or attempt capture unless the animal is at immediate risk and the authorised person directs it.

If a bird is mobile and uninjured, stop machinery, withdraw workers and allow it to leave naturally. Recheck the area before restarting.

Maintain visual contact where practicable and record the direction in which the bird moves. Check adjacent grassland and access tracks for additional birds.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Breeding places, colonies and roosts

Stop work if an active breeding place, colony, roost or concentrated flock is found. Establish an exclusion area and prevent people, vehicles and machinery from entering.

Contact the project ecologist and the relevant wildlife authority or permit holder. Do not remove a nest, eggs, young, roosting birds or habitat without written approval and an approved method.

Do not relocate a flock or bird simply to maintain the construction schedule. Manage the disturbance source first and allow birds to settle or move naturally where lawful.

Resume work only after the ecologist confirms that the approved controls are in place and any required authority has been obtained.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured or distressed animals

Stop nearby work and keep people, vehicles and dogs away from the bird. Reduce noise and visual disturbance.

Do not provide food or water unless directed by a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. Do not release a bird at another location without approval.

Contact the authorised fauna handler, wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian through the project's fauna emergency pathway. Transport the bird only by an authorised person using an appropriate container and method.

If the bird dies, do not dispose of the carcass until species identification, cause-of-injury information and any reporting requirements have been addressed.

During habitat disturbance: 5. Daily records

Record all sightings, flushes, handling events, injuries, mortalities, stop-work events and releases on the day they occur.

Include location, time, number of birds, behaviour, habitat, cause of disturbance, action taken, names and licences of handlers, and the final outcome.

Keep photographs, maps, permits, release details, veterinary records and communications with regulators in the project environmental records.

Notify the project manager and regulator when required by the approval, management program or permit.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Immediate post-clearance checks

Post-clearance checks confirm that no bird, nest, roost or injured animal has been missed. They also provide evidence that the approved controls worked and identify changes needed before the next work stage.

Inspect the cleared footprint, retained habitat edges, drainage lines, stockpiles and access tracks after each clearing stage.

Search for birds sheltering in remaining grass, under materials or beside machinery. Check for nests, eggs, carcasses, injured animals and signs of repeated disturbance.

Confirm that exclusion fencing and no-go areas remain intact. Repair damaged controls before work continues.

Compare the cleared area with the approved plan and record any unauthorised disturbance or unexpected habitat loss.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Reporting and close-out

Prepare a fauna clearance report that summarises survey effort, observations, stop-work events, handling, injuries, mortalities, releases and any breaches.

Provide maps showing cleared areas, retained habitat, flock locations, roosts, breeding places and any relocation or release sites.

Submit records required by the EPBC approval, Queensland species management program, state permit or local consent. Retain evidence of inductions, daily checklists and corrective actions.

Tell the project manager and the ecologist about any change in bird use, new flock concentration or unexpected seasonal presence.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Monitoring relocated or released animals

Use relocation only where it has been approved and directed by a suitably authorised person. Record the release location, habitat condition, time, weather, bird condition and behaviour at release.

Check the release area for hazards such as traffic, dogs, predators, fencing, lighting, construction activity and lack of suitable grassland or water.

Where monitoring is required, use repeat observations to check whether the bird remains in suitable habitat, feeds normally and avoids dangerous areas.

Escalate signs of injury, poor condition, disorientation or repeated return to the construction area to the wildlife rehabilitator and project ecologist.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review

Review every stop-work event, injury, mortality, unauthorised entry into an exclusion area and unexpected flock observation.

Identify whether the problem resulted from survey timing, poor visibility, inadequate fencing, plant operation, induction failure or an unsuitable buffer.

Update the work method, site induction, survey timing and exclusion controls before the next clearing stage.

Share lessons with supervisors, machine operators, fauna spotters and subcontractors.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore grassland structure

Rehabilitation should restore the open grassland conditions used by Little Curlews in Australia. The focus is on habitat quality, connectivity and low disturbance, rather than artificial breeding structures.

Reinstate short, open grassland with a patchy structure suited to a ground-feeding wader. Use locally appropriate native species and avoid creating dense woody cover across open habitat.

Reconnect retained grassland where practicable, especially between feeding areas, freshwater margins and known flock or roost locations.

Remove construction debris, compacted spoil, temporary fencing and unused materials from rehabilitation areas.

Manage grazing, mowing and fire with the land manager and ecologist so that grass remains suitable without removing all cover or exposing birds to excessive disturbance.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Weeds, water and soil

Control weeds before they dominate the grassland. Use methods that minimise harm to birds, invertebrates, soil and nearby waterways.

Repair erosion, compaction and altered drainage. Retain shallow freshwater areas where they are part of the approved habitat design and do not create steep-sided traps or hazardous pits.

Prevent sediment, chemicals, fuel and rubbish from entering wetlands, dams, drainage lines or coastal habitat.

Inspect rehabilitation after rainfall and during the Little Curlew's expected Australian presence period. Repair bare areas, weed outbreaks and failed drainage controls promptly.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Artificial structures and site design

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nest sites or enclosed roost structures for Little Curlews. This species nests on the ground in open areas, so these structures do not replace suitable habitat.

Do not add artificial roost structures unless a site-specific assessment identifies a genuine need for another affected species and the design has been approved by the relevant ecologist or authority.

Use natural, open grassland restoration and protection of existing habitat as the primary mitigation for Little Curlews.

Design fences, drains, roads, ponds and lighting to avoid trapping birds, blocking movement or disturbing feeding and roosting areas.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Disturbance and lighting

Keep permanent lighting away from retained grassland, freshwater margins and roosting areas where practicable. Use the lowest effective intensity, shield lights downwards and avoid unnecessary all-night lighting.

Restrict vehicle access and keep dogs out of rehabilitated and retained habitat. Maintain signs and gates where access control is needed.

Manage noise, dust and routine maintenance so birds can use the restored area without repeated flushing.

Remove temporary access routes when construction is complete and rehabilitate them unless they are required for approved land management.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Long-term monitoring

Monitor vegetation cover, grass height, weeds, water condition, erosion, disturbance and use by Little Curlews and other shorebirds.

Repeat bird observations during the arrival, wet-season and departure periods where the project has affected extensive or important habitat.

Record flock size, habitat use, feeding, roosting, disturbance and any change in site use. Compare results with the pre-clearing baseline.

Continue corrective actions until the rehabilitation area is stable, safe and functioning as connected open habitat.

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