Eurasian Thick-knee Bird: Identification, Habitat, and Facts You Should Know || यूरेशियन मोटी-घुटने वाला पक्षी: पहचान, निवास स्थान और तथ्य जो आपको जानना चाहिए ||

The Enigmatic Eurasian Thick-knee (Stone-curlew): A Complete Guide

Discover the secrets of one of nature's most elusive nocturnal birds

Introduction

The Eurasian Thick-knee, also known as the Eurasian Stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), is one of the most fascinating and lesser-known birds in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Despite its name, it is not closely related to curlews but is part of the stone-curlew family, Burhinidae. This bird is a master of camouflage, blending almost invisibly with its surroundings during the day and coming alive at night with haunting calls that echo across open landscapes.

This bird has intrigued birdwatchers, naturalists, and conservationists for centuries due to its peculiar behavior, striking yellow eyes, and eerie vocalizations. Though often elusive and overlooked, the Eurasian Thick-knee plays an important role in its ecosystem and offers a window into the mysterious world of nocturnal avifauna.

Taxonomy and Naming

The Eurasian Thick-knee belongs to the order Charadriiformes, which includes shorebirds like plovers and sandpipers. However, its family, Burhinidae, sets it apart due to its terrestrial lifestyle and distinct characteristics.

• Scientific name: Burhinus oedicnemus
• Common names: Eurasian Thick-knee, Stone-curlew
• Family: Burhinidae
• Order: Charadriiformes

The term "Thick-knee" refers to the prominent joint in its leg, which is not the actual knee but the ankle. "Stone-curlew" comes from its habitat preference—often stony, arid ground—and its curlew-like call, although it’s not a true curlew.

Physical Appearance

The Eurasian Thick-knee has a unique and easily recognizable appearance that sets it apart from most other birds in its range.

• Size: Approximately 38–45 cm in length with a wingspan of 75–85 cm
• Plumage: Sandy brown with streaks and mottling that provide perfect camouflage against dry grasslands and rocky terrain
• Eyes: Large and yellow, adapted for excellent night vision
• Bill: Short, black-tipped and slightly curved
• Legs: Long and yellowish, ideal for walking long distances in search of food

One of its most striking features is its large, glaring eyes, which not only enhance its vision during nocturnal activities but also give it an expressive, almost owl-like appearance.

Distribution and Habitat

The Eurasian Thick-knee has a wide but patchy distribution. It prefers open habitats where it can remain inconspicuous during the day and hunt efficiently at night.

Geographical Range

This bird is found across:

• Southern and Central Europe (Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece)
• North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)
• Middle East (Turkey, Syria, Iran)
• Central Asia and parts of India

It is migratory in colder parts of Europe, wintering in Africa and South Asia, while some populations in warmer regions are resident year-round.

Preferred Habitat

The Eurasian Thick-knee favors dry, open landscapes such as:

• Semi-deserts and steppes
• Dry grasslands
• Scrublands
• Gravel plains
• Stony farmlands and airfields

Behavior and Diet

Nocturnal Habits

Unlike many birds, the Eurasian Thick-knee is largely nocturnal. It remains motionless and hidden during the day, relying on its plumage to blend in. As night falls, it becomes active, emitting haunting, wailing calls that can be heard over great distances.

Feeding Behavior

This bird forages mainly on the ground, using its strong legs to walk long distances in search of food. It is an opportunistic feeder, consuming:

• Insects (beetles, crickets, grasshoppers)
• Earthworms
• Small reptiles and amphibians
• Occasionally seeds or plant material

Reproduction and Nesting

The Eurasian Thick-knee's breeding strategy is closely aligned with its camouflage tactics and dry habitat. It nests on the ground, often in open areas where vegetation is sparse.

Nesting

• Nest is a shallow scrape in the ground
• No nesting material is used, relying instead on the bird's camouflage
• Usually well-hidden among rocks or sparse vegetation

Breeding Season

Breeding varies by region but generally occurs from April to July.

Eggs and Incubation

• Clutch size: 2–3 eggs
• Eggs are speckled and blend with the ground
• Both parents share incubation, which lasts about 24–27 days

Chick Development

Chicks are precocial—born with eyes open and capable of walking within hours. They rely on camouflage to avoid predators, lying motionless when threatened.

Threats and Conservation

Despite its wide range, the Eurasian Thick-knee faces numerous threats that are leading to population declines in many areas.

Major Threats

• Habitat loss: Due to agriculture, urbanization, and land development
• Disturbance: From human recreation, vehicles, and dogs in nesting areas
• Pesticides: Reduction in insect prey from agricultural chemicals
• Climate change: Altering habitats and migratory patterns

Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List, the Eurasian Thick-knee is listed as Least Concern, but it is under monitoring due to declining trends in parts of Europe.

Conservation Efforts

• Protected areas and reserves
• Agri-environmental schemes to support biodiversity
• Public awareness campaigns to reduce disturbance
• Research and population monitoring

Cultural Significance

The bird's ghostly cries have given it a place in folklore and local mythology. In some Mediterranean cultures, its night calls were associated with spirits or omens. Farmers once believed it could predict weather changes.

Although not widely featured in mainstream media or literature, it holds a special place among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts for its mysterious lifestyle and haunting nocturnal presence.

Conclusion

The Eurasian Thick-knee is a marvel of adaptation, stealth, and survival. Its ability to thrive in harsh, open environments while remaining largely undetected by both predators and people is a testament to nature’s ingenuity. As human activities increasingly encroach upon its habitats, understanding and protecting this bird becomes ever more important.

Whether you're a birder, a student of nature, or simply curious about the strange and wonderful creatures that share our world, the Eurasian Thick-knee offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a bird that walks quietly in the shadows of the night.