Stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) | Species | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 (1/500th sec at f11. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings) DescriptionL: 38 - 46 cm; WS: 76 - 88 cm The Stone-curlew has cryptic plumage, a strong yellow and black beak, yellow legs and large yellow eyes (which give it a "reptilian" or "goggle-eyed" appearance). The bird is striking in flight, with black and white wing markings. The Stone-curlew occurs throughout Europe, north Africa and southwestern Asia. It is a summer migrant in the more temperate European parts of its range. It winters in Africa. In the UK, Stone-curlews arrive in March and depart in October. Its strongholds are Salisbury Plain and the Norfolk Brecks. This species prefers dry, open habitats with some bare ground or very short vegetation. Stone-curlews are largely nocturnal, particularly when singing their loud wailing songs. It has Amber status on the UK list. Around 400 pairs breed here. Sightings
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