Senegal Thick-knee
Burhinus senegalensis
Visual Identification
Appearance
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.
Size
Length
38cm to 43cm
Wingspan
80cm to 90cm
Weight
290g to 460g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Black Yellow
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,500 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
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:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Senegal Thick-knee demonstrates considerable agility, particularly in its ability to run swiftly when alarmed. Its preference for running over flying suggests nimble ground movement, essential for navigating its open habitats and evading predators.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not exceptionally strong, this medium-sized wader possesses adequate strength for its lifestyle. Its ability to forage for small reptiles and amphibians indicates a reasonable level of physical capability.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
The Senegal Thick-knee shows high adaptability, thriving in various open habitats from grasslands to wetland edges. Its capacity to survive in areas with little water and its year-round breeding in most ranges further demonstrate its adaptable nature.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally non-aggressive, the Senegal Thick-knee relies more on camouflage and evasion than confrontation. However, it likely displays some aggression in defending its territory and young, as is common in ground-nesting birds.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The bird's nocturnal lifestyle, ability to stand motionless for long periods, and capacity to survive in water-scarce environments suggest good endurance. Its non-migratory nature, however, indicates it may not have the extreme endurance of long-distance migrants.
Diet
Senegal Thick-knees are omnivorous, feeding primarily on insects, small reptiles, and amphibians.
They forage by walking slowly and pecking at the ground, using their large eyes to spot prey in low light conditions. During the day, they may also consume seeds and small fruits.
Behaviour
Senegal Thick-knees are primarily nocturnal, becoming active at dusk. They often stand motionless for long periods, relying on their camouflage to avoid detection.
When alarmed, these birds prefer to run rather than fly, adopting a hunched posture with their heads lowered.
Vocalisation
The Senegal Thick-knee has a distinctive, mournful call often heard at night. Its vocalisation is a series of whistling notes, typically described as a repeated "kwee-kwee-kwee" or "wee-wee-wee", which rises and falls in volume and pitch. During the day, they are generally silent unless alarmed.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs year-round in most of its range, with peaks during the dry season. Senegal Thick-knees form monogamous pairs and engage in courtship displays involving head-bobbing and wing-spreading.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often near water. The female typically lays two eggs, which are cryptically coloured to blend with the surrounding soil.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 25-27 days. Chicks are precocial, able to walk and feed themselves shortly after hatching, but remain under parental care for several weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Senegal Thick-knee is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urbanisation.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland and grassland habitats within its range.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Unknown
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Senegal Thick-knees in open, dry habitats near water bodies.
- Listen for their distinctive calls at night, which can help locate them.
- Use a spotlight carefully at night to observe their behaviour, but avoid disturbing them.
- Search for their cryptic plumage against bare ground or short grass during the day.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include large raptors, jackals, and monitor lizards. Eggs and chicks are vulnerable to a wider range of predators, including snakes and small carnivores.
Did You Know?
- Senegal Thick-knees have exceptionally large eyes, which help them see in low light conditions.
- They can survive in areas with little water, obtaining most of their moisture from their food.
- These birds have a unique defensive behaviour of lying flat on the ground with eyes closed when threatened.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Burhinus senegalensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22693580A93413540.
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