Burhinus oedicnemus
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.
Length
40cm to 44cm
Wingspan
76cm to 88cm
Weight
290g to 535g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Buff
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Yellow Black
Leg Colour
Yellow
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 1,000 meters
Temperate, Mediterranean, Subtropical
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:
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