Eurasian Thick-knee / Burhinus oedicnemus **
Stone-curlew / الكروان
The Eurasian Thick-knee (Burhinus oedicnemus), also known as the Stone-curlew, is a medium-sized wader found across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. This bird prefers open habitats like dry grasslands, semi-deserts, and agricultural fields, often blending perfectly with its surroundings due to its cryptic plumage. Known for its large, yellow eyes and strong, sturdy legs, the Eurasian Thick-knee is primarily nocturnal, foraging at night for insects, small mammals, and other invertebrates.
Despite its wader classification, it rarely associates with water and thrives in dry environments. During breeding, the bird lays eggs in shallow scrapes on the ground, relying on its camouflage to protect them. Conservation efforts have been essential in some regions due to habitat loss and changes in land use affecting its population. The Eurasian Thick-knee is celebrated for its haunting calls, often heard during the night, adding to the mystique of this fascinating bird.
NOT EVALUATED | DATA DEFICIENT | LEAST CONCERN** | NEAR THREATENED | VULNERABLE | ENDANGERED | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED | EXTINCT IN THE WILD | EXTINCT |
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NE | DD | LC | NT | VU | EN | CR | EW | EX |