Double-striped Thick-knee
NameDouble-striped Thick-knee
Common NameDouble-striped Thick-knee
Scientific NameBurhinus bistriatus
FamilyBurhinidae
Wingspan (cm)84.5
Length (cm)48
Weight (g)640
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are streaky brown with darker markings, providing excellent camouflage. Underparts are white. The head features prominent black and white stripes above and below the eye, with a broad white supercilium. The bill is yellow with a black tip, and the legs are long and yellow.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations are loud, wailing, and often heard at night, described as a series of 'kee-kee-kee' or 'klee-klee-klee' notes that can be quite mournful.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound from southern Mexico through Central America, extending south into northern South America, including parts of Colombia and Venezuela.
Identifying FeaturesLarge yellow eyes, Double black and white stripes on head, Streaky brown and white plumage, Long yellow legs with prominent 'knees' (ankles), Nocturnal habits
Description
This ground-dwelling bird is characterized by its cryptic brown and white plumage, large yellow eyes, and a distinctive head pattern. Primarily nocturnal, it forages for insects and small vertebrates in open habitats, often remaining still during the day to avoid detection.
