Eurasian curlews undertake significant migrations from breeding grounds in northern Europe to wintering areas in coastal Britain, Ireland, and West Africa, with welfare threats at multiple points along the flyway.
Migratory curlew welfare is affected across their entire annual cycle — from breeding ground disturbance in summer through hunting mortality during migration in France, to winter disturbance on estuaries from human recreation. Individual curlews that survive UK breeding grounds face legal hunting during autumn migration through France — this represents a preventable welfare harm for birds that have already navigated the challenges of a difficult UK breeding season. Winter disturbance on estuaries forces curlews off feeding grounds during a period when energy conservation is critical. International coordination through AEWA and bilateral agreements with France on curlew hunting is essential for comprehensive flyway-level welfare protection.