Eurasian Stone-curlew
Burhinus oedicnemus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Eurasian Stone-curlew is a medium-sized wader with a distinctive appearance. It has a plump body, a large head, and long yellow legs. The bird's upperparts are mottled brown and buff, providing excellent camouflage in its open habitats.
Its most striking features are its large, bright yellow eyes with black pupils, giving it an alert expression. The bird has a short, strong bill that is yellow with a black tip. There is little difference between males and females in appearance.
Size
Length
40cm to 44cm
Wingspan
76cm to 88cm
Weight
290g to 535g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Buff
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Yellow Black
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Eurasian Stone-curlews inhabit dry, open landscapes with sparse vegetation. They prefer stony soils, heathlands, and semi-arid areas. Their range extends across parts of Europe, North Africa, and southwest Asia.
In the UK, they are rare, with around 300 breeding pairs, found mainly in East Anglia and southern England. Around 72% of those are distributed in Norfolk and Suffolk. There are strongholds in Wiltshire, on the Salisbury Plain and Brecks in Norfolk. You can find special viewing areas at Minsmere reserve in Suffolk and Weeting Heath in Norfolk.
During winter, many European birds migrate to warmer regions in Africa and the Middle East, while some populations in southern Europe and North Africa are resident year-round.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Eurasian Stone-curlew. 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 Eurasian Stone-curlew displays considerable agility, particularly in its nocturnal activities and quick reflexes when foraging. Its ability to freeze instantly when threatened also suggests good bodily control.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not exceptionally strong, this medium-sized wader possesses enough strength to forage effectively, including catching small vertebrates. Its short, strong bill indicates moderate strength for its size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable, the Stone-curlew thrives in various open habitats across Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. Its omnivorous diet and ability to migrate or remain resident depending on conditions demonstrate significant adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally not aggressive, the Stone-curlew relies more on camouflage and freezing behaviour for defence. However, it may display some aggression when protecting its nest or young.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Stone-curlew shows good endurance, particularly evident in its migratory behaviour. Some populations undertake long-distance migrations to Africa and the Middle East, indicating considerable stamina. Its ability to remain active throughout the night also suggests decent endurance.
Diet
Eurasian Stone-curlews are omnivorous, feeding primarily on insects, worms, and small vertebrates. Some main food items include beetles, crickets, caterpillars, ants, flies, earthworms, slugs, snails and earwigs.
Their diet may also include small mammals, reptiles, and occasionally plant material. They are particularly fond of beetles and their larvae.
They forage by walking slowly and pecking at prey on the ground, usually at night. They'll often forage alone but sometimes in groups of up to 6.
Behaviour
Eurasian Stone-curlews are primarily nocturnal, becoming most active at dusk and dawn. They have a peculiar habit of freezing in place when threatened, relying on their camouflage for protection.
These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs during the breeding season but may form small flocks during migration or in winter.
Vocalisation
The Eurasian Stone-curlew has a distinctive, far-carrying call (around 800m) often heard at night. Its primary vocalisation is a plaintive, wailing 'cur-lee' or 'wee-oo', which gives rise to its alternative name, Stone-curlew.
Calls are melodically and structurally diverse, often undulating in volume. Multiple birds join songs to form large choruses that can sing for some 30 minutes. During courtship or when alarmed, they may also produce a series of sharp, staccato notes.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Eurasian Stone-curlews typically begins in late March or April. They form monogamous pairs and often return to the same breeding sites each year.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, sometimes lined with small stones or debris. The female usually lays two eggs, which are well-camouflaged with a buff background and dark brown blotches.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 24-26 days. Chicks are precocial, able to walk and feed themselves shortly after hatching. They fledge after 36-42 days but remain with their parents for several weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, Eurasian Stone-curlews face regional challenges. In the UK, they are amber-listed due to historical declines.
Conservation efforts focus on habitat management, including maintaining suitable nesting areas and reducing disturbance during breeding season.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Stone-curlews in open, dry habitats with short vegetation or bare ground.
- Listen for their distinctive wailing call at night, especially during the breeding season.
- Use binoculars to spot their large yellow eyes, which can be visible even at a distance.
- In the UK, visit areas like the Brecks in East Anglia or Salisbury Plain for better chances of sighting.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Stone-curlew, Thick-knee
Family:
BurhinidaeAverage Lifespan
6 years
Max Lifespan
17.9 years [4]
Predators
Main predators of Eurasian Stone-curlews include foxes, badgers, and birds of prey such as owls and harriers. Ground-nesting makes eggs and chicks particularly vulnerable to predation.
Did You Know?
- Eurasian Stone-curlews have exceptionally large eyes, which help them see well in low light conditions.
- They are also known as Thick-knees due to their robust leg joints.
- In some regions, they are considered agricultural allies for their consumption of insect pests.
- They typically detect humans from over 100m away, making themselves scarce long before contact.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Burhinus oedicnemus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T45111439A132038252.
View source - 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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