Spotted Thick-knee

The Spotted Thick-knee, also known as the Spotted Dikkop or Cape Thick-knee, is a bird of notable stature, reaching up to 45.5 cm in height. It is adorned with brown-and-white speckled plumage that blends seamlessly into the grasslands and savannas it calls home. The bird's head is large and round, crowned with a prominent yellow eye, while its short, stout beak is well-suited to its diet. In flight or when displaying its characteristic wings-raised stance, it reveals a striking contrast in its plumage. Its legs are long and yellow, and the tibiotarsal joint is notably expanded, a feature that has given rise to its common name.

Identification Tips

To identify the Spotted Thick-knee, look for its long yellow legs and the distinctive thickening at the knee joint. Its camouflage plumage can make it challenging to spot, but the bird's large, round head and prominent yellow eyes are key distinguishing features. When it takes to the air or assumes its unique pose with wings aloft, the contrasting patterns of its plumage become quite apparent.

Habitat

This species thrives in the grasslands and savannas, where its mottled plumage provides excellent camouflage against the backdrop of these ecosystems.

Distribution

The Spotted Thick-knee is native to sub-Saharan Africa, with a range that spans from Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania in the west, across to Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and down to South Africa in the east and south. It is also found in south Yemen.

Behaviour

The Spotted Thick-knee is a nocturnal creature, often squatting on the ground during the day, which makes it quite elusive. It is a ground hunter, preying on insects, small mammals, and lizards.

Breeding

The Spotted Thick-knee lays usually two eggs, with a two-day interval between them. The eggs are marked with sepia brown and ash grey on a pale, clay-coloured background. Nesting occurs on the ground, with a scrape lined with grasses, feathers, pebbles, and twigs. Both male and female parents are involved in rearing the young, bringing food to the nest and defending it vigorously. They may even feign injury to distract predators from their offspring.

Similar Species

The Spotted Thick-knee can be confused with the Water Thick-knee but can be distinguished by the distinct wing pattern of the Water Thick-knee.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Spotted Thick-knee consists of insects, small mammals, and lizards, which it hunts on the ground.

Conservation status

The Spotted Thick-knee is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, thanks to its extensive range and stable population numbers.