Page 169 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

WADERS
Order Charadriiformes Family Burhinidae Species Burhinus oedicnemus
Stone-curlew

pale eye pale bill-
pale stripes
light and dark bands pale face above and base
on pale inner wings and bill-base below eye
head
outstretched
long, dark-
streaked, sandy
brown body
pale ADULT
tail broad pale
band along
white spot wings
on black
outer wings
JUVENILE long, pale
IN FLIGHT yellow legs
nce called the “goggle-eye
Oplover”, this is a semi-
nocturnal bird, often hard to
locate by day: it stands or sits
still for long periods, and moves
forward in stealthy runs. It is very vocal ADULT
in summer, and eerie, wild sounds are created as
birds communicate over long distances.This bird does not cope
well with modern development. Coastal populations, especially,
have largely gone, and it is only liaison between conservationists FLIGHT: usually low, fast, strong, with steady
and sympathetic farmers that has helped it to survive in some wingbeats and long glides.
regions; it struggles on in disturbed heathland and dunes elsewhere.
VOICE Loud notes recall Curlew and Oystercatcher, but with
wild, wailing quality at times;
kur-li, klip, piping keeee,
krr-leee, and variations.
NESTING Shallow scrape
on ground lined with
shells, stones, and rabbit
droppings; 2 eggs; 1 or 2
broods;April–August.
FEEDING Tilts forwards,
plover-like, to pick up CAMOUFLAGED COURTING PAIR
beetles, worms, snails, Unless it moves, a sitting Stone-curlew is extremely The white patches on the wings and under the tail are
frogs, lizards, and mice. difficult to see. revealed in courtship displays and confrontations.
SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRENCE
Summer visitor to S Great Britain,
CURLEW PHEASANT 2; France, Spain, Portugal, and
see p.193 see p.153
curved Mediterranean area; breeds on
bill heaths, shingle, cereal and arable
fields with light, stony soil and
sparse spring crops. Reduced
longer numbers in SW Europe in winter.
tail
Seen in the UK
shorter legs J F M A M JJ A S O N D
Length 40–45cm (16–18in) Wingspan 77–85cm (30–34in) Weight 370–450g (13–16oz)
Social Autumn flocks Lifespan Up to 10 years Status Vulnerable
167