BUSH STONE - CURLEW

The Bush Stone-curlew, also known as the Bush Thick-knee or Iben bird, is a unique and fascinating bird found in various parts of Australia. It belongs to the family Burhinidae, which includes a group of medium-sized, ground-dwelling birds.

Bush Stone-curlews have a striking appearance with a mix of grey, white, and black plumage. They have long, slender legs and a large head with large yellow eyes. The beak is long and slightly curved.

These birds are predominantly nocturnal, which means they are most active during the night. They have adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle to avoid predators and excessive heat during the day.

Bush Stone-curlews inhabit a variety of habitats, including grasslands, open woodlands, and coastal areas, primarily in eastern and northern Australia.

Their diet consists of insects, small vertebrates like frogs and lizards, and occasionally, seeds and fruits.

The Bush Stone-curlew is known for its eerie and haunting calls, which are often heard during the night. Their calls include high-pitched wails and chattering sounds.

During the breeding season, they construct simple nests on the ground among vegetation. They lay two eggs, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks.

Bush Stone-curlew numbers have declined greatly over the last century. The bush stone-curlew is now endangered, and experts worry that in 10 or 20 years it will be too late to prevent the species from becoming extinct.

They face various threats, including habitat loss due to urbanization and land development, trampling of eggs by cattle, as well as predation by introduced species like foxes, dogs and cats.

These birds are known for their unique appearance and behavior, and they are a cherished part of Australia’s wildlife. If you ever have the opportunity to observe them in the wild, it can be a memorable and fascinating experience.