Pasted below is what I am taking to be the definitive rationale that
identifies not just the bird, but the reason the identification was not
straightforward. The underlying lesson seems to be that one has to allow
for the
potential incompleteness/fallibility of field guides, even when using
several in tandem. (As mentioned in my last message, none of the three
guides I use say
anything about the possibility of a two-tone underwing for the Long-billed
Curlew.) Thanks again for
all the help.

Birch Berman


Hi Birch: the curlew definitely has 2-toned underwing linings, but the
effect is somewhat subtle. The inner area is a cinammon colour while the
outer wings are brown. This is shown very clearly in the venerable Golden
guide to birds of NA, but it is not illustrated in the older versions of
Peterson's Western Birds. He does mention the cinammon wing linings in the
text, but this does not clarify the 2-toned nature of the wing.
Sibley does not show a clear 2-toned effect, which is perhaps closer to
reality than in the Golden guide, but he shows it more subtle than I think
it is. In"Shorebirds" by Hayman, Marchant and Prater, there is a fair
illustration.

In reality though, the bill is so long that it is the key feature that
normally clinches identification except in the case of a Whimbrel in flight
where you may find length determination to be more challenging.

The long & continuous calling by your bird also suggests Curlew as opposed
to any of the other possible species.

Rick Howie