Project Details

"Sandy" with newly outfitted satellite transmitter

Why Track Long-billed Curlews?

Long-billed Curlew are migratory shorebirds that spend only a quarter or a third of their annual cycle on their Nebraska breeding grounds.  While understanding Long-billed Curlew reproductive ecology in Nebraska is important and is part of the broader project, knowing where Nebraska curlews spend the rest of the year is equally important.   For instance, the species' habitat and food resources may be secure in Nebraska, but curlews may face threats on their wintering grounds in Texas, California, or Mexico (we don't know for sure where Nebraska curlews go?).   Linking birds breeding grounds with their wintering areas and migrations routes is key to conserving the species.


"Sandy's" transmitter

What are Satellite Transmitters or PTTs?

Satellite transmitters, or PTTs, are a powerful and relatively new technology that uses Global Positioning System (GPS) to track migratory birds.  Not long ago the size and weight of the transmitters prevented them from being used on birds. Now, satellite transmitter can be attached to larger birds such as geese, cranes and large shorebirds. This ability has revolutionized what we know about the movements of some globe-trotting shorebirds. For instance, satellite transmitters showed that Bar-tailed Godwits travel non-stop from their breeding grounds in Alaska to their wintering grounds in New Zealand.

How are the Satellite Transmitters attached to the curlews?

The transmitters are attached to the curlews with a harnass made of teflon ribbon.  It is cinched with metal crimps.  This method has been used widely on raptors and shorebirds.

Do Satellite Transmitters affect the birds ability to fly?

No, the size and weight of each satellite transmitter is carefully controlled to ensure that it does not negatively affect the bird.


Cory Gregory releasing "Sandy" 

How many Nebraska Curlews have transmitters?

Satellite transmitters are not cheap so cost is a limiting factor.  In 2009, we placed transmitters on two adult female curlews.  One curlew is named "Sandy" and the other is "Bailey".  Visit their pages to see where the birds have been recently.   One of the satellite transmitters is sponsored by the Sandhills Task Force. 

Nebraska Sandhills