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Beach Stone Curlew / Thick Knee (Esacus magnirostris)
Beach Stone Curlew / Thick Knee (Esacus magnirostris)
The Beach Stone Curlew is one of the most unusual looking birds in Australia. Much less common than its bush cousin, it can only be found on beaches and so this restricts its range dramatically. Usually shy and seen infrequently, I have been lucky to see some confiding birds that appeared regularly on the Cairns Foreshore.
I always think these incredible shorebirds look like they were drawn in a cartoon with striking head markings, bright eye and huge bill. As enormous shorebirds, they are one of the few species that you don't need a field guide to help you identify!
The Beach Stone Curlew is actually nocturnal and is usually only seen in the day resting quietly in the shade or, at times, feeding. They mainly eat crabs on mud flats and tidal areas, resembling a heron as they hunt. Once caught, the poor crab has its legs torn off before the body is mashed up and swallowed. It is quite something to watch.
Bush Stone Curlew / Thick Knee (Burhinus grallarius)
Bush Stone Curlew / Thick Knee (Burhinus grallarius)
The Bush Stone Curlew might be a less distinctive thick-knee than the beach species but it is no less unusual. It is widespread across Australia but only locally common in a few cities. In Cairns, it can be seen during the day in parks, gardens and even along the roadside.
Although classed as a shorebird, it is definitely a bush bird. It is also nocturnal but gives the appearance of being active in the daytime as it sits in shady areas with eyes open. With muted brown and cream colours, it is quite cryptic and when stationery they are difficult to see, usually being tripped over by unsuspecting walkers.
With very long legs, the Bush Stone Curlew will gently walk away when threatened. They are usually seen in small familial groups of a pair of adults and a chick. The most interesting thing about these odd birds is the noise they make at night. Locally known in Queensland as the 'murdered woman's bird' for their unearthly howling, they have woken me in a panic on many occasions. The noise might be something that makes Australia, Australia but when they live in parks and gardens near to houses, they can ellicit many a late night swear word!
Bush Stone-curlew - Burhinus grallarius.mp3Audio by Marc Anderson
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