Stone Curlew
Burhinus oedicnemus
The Stone Curlew is a rare and nocturnal summer visitor to Britain, typically seen in open, dry areas with short vegetation, particularly in the south and east of England from April to September. It is a ground-dwelling bird that is often overlooked due to its secretive and crepuscular nature.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Stone Curlew in the field.
The Stone Curlew can be identified by its large, yellow eyes, long yellow legs, and distinctive black and white stripes on its head and neck, as well as its mottled brown back and wings. Its stout body and long legs also distinguish it from other waders.
The Stone Curlew is larger than a Lapwing, with a length of around 40-45 cm, making it a medium-sized bird.
The male Stone Curlew has a mottled brown back and wings, with a buff-coloured breast and belly, and a distinctive black and white striped head and neck, with no significant seasonal variation.
The female Stone Curlew is similar to the male, with no notable differences in plumage, making it difficult to distinguish between the sexes based on appearance alone.
The Stone Curlew's call is a loud, whistled "woo-woo-woo" or "chink-chink-chink", often heard at night or during the early morning hours.
The Stone Curlew is a nocturnal feeder, using its large eyes to hunt for insects, worms, and other small invertebrates on the ground, and it has a distinctive, slow, and deliberate flight style, often with its legs stretched out behind it.
The Stone Curlew can be confused with the Lapwing, but it can be distinguished by its larger size, longer legs, and distinctive black and white striped head and neck, as well as its more mottled brown plumage.
Quick Facts
Who's spotted this?
Loading...
Recent community sightings
Loading recent sightings...
