Peruvian Thick-knee
NamePeruvian Thick-knee
Common NamePeruvian Thick-knee
Scientific NameBurhinus superciliaris
FamilyBurhinidae
Wingspan (cm)52
Length (cm)40
Weight (g)340
Plumage DetailsPlumage is predominantly sandy-brown with dark streaking on the upperparts, providing excellent camouflage. It features a striking facial pattern with a broad black stripe above the eye, bordered by white, and a prominent white supercilium. The underparts are paler, and the bill is dark with a yellow base.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of loud, mournful whistles or wails, often described as 'kee-kee-kee' or 'kwee-kwee-kwee', typically given at night.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, grassland, coastal, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Pacific coast of Peru and extreme southwestern Ecuador, inhabiting arid and semi-arid open areas.
Identifying FeaturesLarge bright yellow eyes, Prominent black and white facial stripes, Cryptic sandy-brown plumage, Thick 'knees' (ankles), Nocturnal or crepuscular activity
Description
The Peruvian Thick-knee is a medium-sized, nocturnal wader characterized by its large yellow eyes and cryptic sandy-brown plumage. It typically forages on open, arid ground for insects and small vertebrates, often active at dusk and dawn.
