Eurasian Stone-curlew

The Eurasian stone-curlew, also known as the Eurasian thick-knee or simply stone-curlew, is a member of the Burhinidae family. It is a bird of notable size for a wader, with a length of 38 to 46 cm, a wingspan of 76 to 88 cm, and a weight ranging from 290 to 535 grams. This species is distinguished by its strong yellow and black beak, large yellow eyes that impart a reptilian or goggle-eyed appearance, and cryptic plumage. In flight, the Eurasian stone-curlew is particularly striking due to its contrasting black and white wing markings.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Eurasian stone-curlew, look for its large, yellow eyes and the distinctive yellow and black beak. The cryptic plumage helps it blend into its surroundings, but the black and white patterns on its wings are quite conspicuous in flight.

Habitat

The Eurasian stone-curlew favors dry open habitats with some bare ground. Although it is classified as a wader, it shows a preference for stony heaths and similar barren landscapes rather than the typical wetlands associated with its family.

Distribution

This species has a broad range, encompassing Europe, north Africa, and southwestern Asia. It is a migratory bird, spending summers in temperate regions of Europe and Asia and wintering in Africa.

Behaviour

The Eurasian stone-curlew is largely nocturnal and is known for its loud wailing songs, which are reminiscent of the distantly related Eurasian curlew. It feeds on insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally small reptiles, frogs, and rodents.

Song & Calls

The nocturnal calls of the Eurasian stone-curlew are evocative of the curlew's song, a wailing sound that carries through the night.

Breeding

Eurasian stone-curlews typically breed at three years of age. They lay their eggs in a scrape on open ground, with a usual clutch size of two eggs. Both parents share incubation duties, starting after the last egg is laid, and the eggs hatch after 24 to 26 days. The precocial chicks are cared for by both parents for 36 to 42 days, and usually, only one brood is raised per year.

Similar Species

The Indian stone-curlew was once considered a subspecies but is now recognized as a separate species. When identifying the Eurasian stone-curlew, take note of its unique eye and beak coloration, which sets it apart from similar species.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Eurasian stone-curlew consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates. It will also consume small reptiles, frogs, and rodents when available.

Conservation Status

The Eurasian stone-curlew is currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. However, certain populations have experienced declines due to agricultural intensification, which is a cause for ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts.