Eurasian Stone-curlew

Overview

The Eurasian stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), also known as the Eurasian thick-knee, is a northern species of the Burhinidae family. It is a fairly large wader, though mid-sized by the standards of its own family.

Identification

• Length ranges from 38 to 46 cm with a wingspan of 76 to 88 cm.
• Features a strong yellow and black beak and large yellow eyes that create a 'reptilian' or 'goggle-eyed' appearance.
• Possesses cryptic plumage but is striking in flight with distinct black and white wing markings.
• Produces loud wailing nocturnal songs reminiscent of curlews.

Habitat

The species occurs throughout Europe, north Africa and southwestern Asia, where it is a summer migrant in temperate regions that winters in Africa. Despite being classed as a wader, it prefers dry open habitats with some bare ground.

Diet

Food consists primarily of insects and other small invertebrates. It occasionally consumes small reptiles, frogs and rodents.

Did you know?

The maximum recorded age for a bird ringed as a nestling in the British Isles is 22 years and 4 months.