Burhinus oedicnemus - Stone-curlew
Feather characters. Barbules are long (1.7-1.9 mm) and divided into pigmented nodes and partly pigmented (less than 50%) internodes. Pigment decreases distally and most of the pigment can be found in the internodes, not in the nodes. Slightly thickened nodes (14-20 per mm) are present on proximal end of barbules, gradually decreasing towards distal end. Nodes may be very small in size. Villi are absent and internodes are straight. Prongs are absent.
Field characters. Size 41 cm. Weight 459 g (290-535) (Dunning, 1993). Unmistakable; large plover-like bird with large yellow eyes (unlike any other wader). Plumage predominantly sandy brown, streaked with dark brown. Supercilium, cheek-stripe, throat, lower belly and vent white. Conspicuous white bar across folded wing. Short and stout bill yellow with black tip; legs pale yellow. In flight, black wings have two conspicuous wing-bars. Has an remarkably erect carriage; when alarmed, bobs head whilst raising rest of body. When taken by surprise flattens out on ground. Rarely perches, but frequently seen resting on entire tarsus. Mainly nocturnal, when chorus of wailing calls can be heard.
Voice. Most common note, given in flight, is a wailing 'curr-leee'. Other calls are similar to Oystercatcher and Curlew. Song resembles call.
Distribution. Declining in numbers, especially along northern edge of distribution. Common in southern Europe. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Predominantly dry or barren open terrain with little ground vegetation, with surface water nearby, such as heaths and bare downs. In winter occasionally along coast as well.
Food. A mainly crepuscular and nocturnal feeder, taking terrestrial invertebrates and small vertebrates. Food located by eye or ear and captured by heron-like stalk and swift stab.