Bush Stone-curlew
NameBush Stone-curlew
Common NameBush Stone-curlew
Scientific NameBurhinus grallarius
FamilyBurhinidae
Wingspan (cm)94
Length (cm)56.5
Weight (g)862.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are mottled grey-brown with dark streaks, providing excellent camouflage. Underparts are paler, whitish with bold dark streaks, especially on the breast. It has a prominent white supercilium above a dark eye-stripe, and large, bright yellow eyes.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its eerie, mournful, wailing calls, often described as 'weer-loo' or 'ker-loo,' typically heard at night. Calls can be prolonged and carry over long distances.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to Australia, including Tasmania, and southern New Guinea.
Identifying FeaturesLarge yellow eyes, Cryptic mottled brown and grey plumage, Long, slender legs, Nocturnal wailing call, Ground-dwelling behavior, Prominent white supercilium
Description
The Bush Stone-curlew is a large, ground-dwelling bird with cryptic brown and grey plumage, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its environment. Primarily nocturnal, it is known for its distinctive wailing calls at night and its habit of freezing motionless when disturbed during the day.
