Stone curlew  (Burhinus oedicnemus)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

The specific name Oedicnemus derives from the Greek for 'swollen shinned', these birds are also known as 'thick knees' due to their large heavy looking legs (4); other local names include 'Norfolk plover' and 'Goggle eyes' (2). Stone curlews have streaky sandy- brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage against sandy soils during the day when they are mainly inactive (2). In flight, narrow black and white bars on the long wings are visible. They have long yellow legs, a short yellow bill with a black tip and large eyes (2). The species is not related to the curlew; the common name comes from the stone curlew's repeated 'kur-lee' call (4).

left