Eurasian Stone-curlew
Least ConcernBurhinus oedicnemus
Visual Identification
Eurasian Stone-curlew
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
Lifespan
The Eurasian Stone-curlew typically lives for 6 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 17.9 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
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:
BurhinidaePredators
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.
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References
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Burhinus oedicnemus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T45111439A132038252.
View source - 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source