Eurasian Stone-curlew
NameEurasian Stone-curlew
Common NameEurasian Stone-curlew
Scientific NameBurhinus oedicnemus
FamilyBurhinidae
Wingspan (cm)82
Length (cm)43
Weight (g)450
Plumage DetailsCryptic streaky sandy-brown upperparts with white underparts. It features a prominent white stripe bordered by black on the wing. The head has large, bright yellow eyes with a black pupil, and a short, stout bill that is yellow at the base and black at the tip. Legs are long and yellow.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, far-carrying, wailing call, often described as 'cur-lee' or 'koo-ree,' typically given at night.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across much of Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia, with northern populations migrating to Africa and India in winter.
Identifying Featureslarge yellow eyes, streaky brown plumage, long yellow legs, stout yellow and black bill, nocturnal habits, distinctive wailing call
Description
This medium-sized wader is characterized by its cryptic streaky brown plumage, large yellow eyes, and long yellow legs. Primarily nocturnal, it forages for invertebrates and small vertebrates in open, dry habitats, often remaining camouflaged during the day.
