The Thick-kneed Bustard (Burhinus oedicnemus), commonly known as the Eurasian Stone-curlew, is a medium-sized wader known for its distinctive appearance, nocturnal habits, and haunting calls. Despite its name, it is not a true bustard but is part of the Burhinidae family. The Thick-kneed Bustard is widespread across Europe, North Africa, and parts of western Asia, inhabiting dry, open landscapes such as grasslands, heathlands, and stony fields.

Physical Description

Size: The Thick-kneed Bustard measures between 38 and 46 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 76 to 88 centimetres. It typically weighs between 290 and 535 grams, with males and females being similar in size and appearance.
Plumage: The bird’s plumage is sandy-brown with dark streaks and markings, providing excellent camouflage against the dry, stony ground it inhabits. The underparts are paler, with a white belly. The wings display striking black and white patterns that are visible in flight, contrasting with the otherwise subdued plumage.
Eyes, Bill, and Legs: The Thick-kneed Bustard has large, yellow eyes, which give it a wide-eyed appearance and are well-adapted for night vision. The bill is strong, yellow at the base with a black tip, and the legs are long and yellow, ending in thick, knobby joints, which are the inspiration for the name “Thick-kneed.”
Flight: It has a strong and purposeful flight, often taking off with rapid wingbeats and flying low over the ground. The distinctive wing markings make it easily recognisable when in flight.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: The Thick-kneed Bustard is widely distributed across Europe, extending into North Africa and parts of western Asia. It is a year-round resident in southern parts of its range, while northern populations may migrate south in the winter.
Habitat: The bird prefers dry, open landscapes, such as grasslands, heathlands, and arid plains. It is often found in areas with sparse vegetation, where its cryptic plumage helps it stay hidden. During the breeding season, it chooses habitats with good visibility to detect approaching predators.

Behaviour

Diet: The Thick-kneed Bustard is an omnivore, feeding mainly on insects, beetles, and other invertebrates. It also consumes small mammals, reptiles, and seeds. The bird forages primarily on the ground, using its keen eyesight to locate prey.
Foraging: The bird is most active at night and during the twilight hours, foraging by walking slowly and pecking at the ground. During the day, it often rests in shaded areas or lies motionless, relying on its camouflage to avoid detection.
Vocalisations: The Thick-kneed Bustard is known for its loud, wailing calls, often heard at night. The call is a series of mournful whistles, typically described as “klee-oo” or “cur-lee,” which echo across the open landscape and give the bird a mysterious presence.

Social Structure

Breeding Behaviour: The Thick-kneed Bustard is monogamous and forms strong pair bonds. Courtship involves display flights and vocalisations, with the male showing off his distinctive wing patterns. Pairs often return to the same breeding territory each year.
Nesting: The nest is a simple scrape on the ground, usually well hidden among rocks or vegetation. The female lays one or two pale, speckled eggs, which blend perfectly with the surrounding environment. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs for about 24 to 26 days.
Chick Development: The chicks are precocial, meaning they are born with downy feathers and can walk soon after hatching. They are well camouflaged and can follow their parents almost immediately. Both parents care for the chicks, guiding them to food and protecting them from predators. The chicks fledge at around five to six weeks old.

Migration

Resident and Migratory Behaviour: The Thick-kneed Bustard is a partial migrant. In southern parts of its range, such as North Africa and the Mediterranean, it is generally resident year-round. However, populations in northern Europe and Asia migrate south to milder regions during the winter. Migration is usually undertaken at night, with birds flying in small groups.

Conservation Status

The Thick-kneed Bustard is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but it faces localised threats from habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and human disturbance. Changes in land use, such as the conversion of grasslands to agriculture or urban development, have led to declines in some populations. Conservation efforts include habitat protection and management, as well as raising awareness about the bird’s ecological importance.

Similar Species

• Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis): This species is found in sub-Saharan Africa and has more pronounced spotting on its plumage and a similar preference for dry, open habitats.
• Senegal Thick-knee (Burhinus senegalensis): Found in Africa, this bird has a more uniform sandy colouration and is slightly smaller than the Eurasian Stone-curlew.

Importance and Ecological Role

The Thick-kneed Bustard plays a significant role in its ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and serving as an important part of the food web. Its presence indicates healthy, undisturbed habitats, and it contributes to the biodiversity of the arid and semi-arid regions it inhabits.

Conclusion

The Thick-kneed Bustard (Burhinus oedicnemus), also known as the Eurasian Stone-curlew, is a unique and well-adapted bird that thrives in dry, open landscapes. Its haunting calls and nocturnal habits make it a fascinating species to observe. While it is currently widespread, continued conservation efforts are essential to protect its habitat and ensure that its eerie calls continue to echo across the landscape for generations to come.

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