Burhinus oedicnemus
The Eurasian Stone-curlew, also known as the Stone-curlew or Eurasian Thick-knee, is a charismatic and cryptically plumaged wader that, despite its common name, is not a true curlew. This medium-sized bird measures approximately 40-45 cm in length with a wingspan of 70-80 cm and weighs between 290-535 g, featuring sandy-brown streaked plumage that provides superb camouflage against dry, stony terrain. Its most striking features are its disproportionately large, brilliant yellow eyes, adapted ...
Found primarily in dry, open habitats such as semi-deserts, steppes, short grasslands, cultivated fields, and fallow land, often with stony or sandy substrates. Typically occurs at low elevations.
Primarily carnivorous, feeding on large insects such as beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, and earwigs, along with other invertebrates like worms, snails, and spiders. Also consumes small vertebrates including lizards, frogs, and mice, occasionally supplementing with seeds.
Predominantly nocturnal or crepuscular, the Eurasian Stone-curlew spends its days resting, often well camouflaged by flattening itself against the ground, becoming active at dusk. Its foraging strategy involves walking slowly, pausing frequently to listen and scan, before lunging to catch prey wi...
The Eurasian Stone-curlew boasts a vast geographic distribution, breeding across much of temperate Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and into Central and South Asia, reaching as far east as India. European breeding populations, particularly those in the north and west (e.g., UK, France, Germ...
Least Concern
- Despite its name, the Eurasian Stone-curlew is not a true curlew; it belongs to the family Burhinidae, while true curlews are in the family Scolopacidae (sandpipers and allies). - Its alternative name, "Thick-knee," refers to the prominent, thickened tarsal joints on its long yellow-green legs....