Wild Birds

Senegal Thick-knees

Senegal Thick-knees

 
Stone-Curlew InformationStone-Curlew Photo Gallery

 

The Senegal Thick-knees, Burhinus senegalensis, is a Stone-curlew, a group of waders in the family Burhinidae.

 

Distribution / Range

It is a resident breeder in Africa between the Sahara and the equator, and in the Nile valley.

This species has a preference for dry open habitats with some bare ground, preferably near water.

 

Description

Senegal Thick-knees are medium-large waders with strong black and yellow black bills, large yellow eyes—which give them a reptilian appearance— and cryptic plumage. The scientific name refers to the prominent joints in the long yellow or greenish legs.

They are similar but slightly smaller than the Stone Curlew, which winters in Africa. The long dark bill, single black bar on the folded wing, and darker cheek stripe are distinctions from the European species.

The Senegal Thick-knee is striking in flight, with a broad white wing bar.

 

Breeding / Nesting

It lays two blotchy light brown eggs on a ground scrape. It is most active at dawn and dusk.

 

Song / Vocalizations

The song is a loud pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi.

 

Diet / Feeding

Food is insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. It will also take other small prey.

 

Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia.org … Additional information and photos added by Avianweb.


 

Please Note: The articles or images on this page are the sole property of the authors or photographers. Please contact them directly with respect to any copyright or licensing questions. Thank you.

 


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also
Close
Back to top button