Burhinus senegalensis
The Senegal Thick-knee is a medium-sized wader with a distinctive large head and eyes. Its plumage is primarily mottled brown and grey, providing excellent camouflage. The bird has a prominent black and white stripe above and below its large yellow eyes.
Both sexes look similar, with no significant seasonal changes in plumage. Juveniles resemble adults but have slightly duller colouration and less defined eye stripes.
The legs are a dull pale yellow, and the knees are prominent, hence its descriptive nomenclature.
Length
38cm to 43cm
Wingspan
80cm to 90cm
Weight
290g to 460g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Black Yellow
Leg Colour
Yellow
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
The Senegal Thick-knee inhabits a wide range across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to Kenya and Tanzania. It prefers open, dry habitats such as grasslands, savannahs, and the edges of wetlands.
These birds are generally non-migratory but may make local movements in response to changing water levels or food availability. They are rarely found outside their African range.
Up to 1,500 meters
Tropical, Subtropical
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Senegal Thick-knee. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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