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The Beach Stone-curlew Esacus magnirostris is the largest shorebird that we find along the coast around Broome. It is not common and despite their rather bold plumage they are heavily disguised amongst the rocks and even on the mud. We have heard strange banging noises in the distance sometimes and then come across a bird [...]

The Burhinidae family of Thick-knees (also known as Stone-curlews or Dikkops) consists of 9 species in 2 genera, Burhinus and Esacus. They are cryptically plumaged birds whose camouflage helps them to blend in with their often arid environments.  In southern Africa, there are two species. The Water Thick-knee’s, Burhinus vermiculatus, preference for moist areas may [...]

Last month, our Australian correspondent Shane Martin contributed a striking gallery of Galahs goofing around in Brisbane. Now, Shane shines a spotlight on the species Aussie locals call thick-knees but proper bird watchers identify as Bush Stone Curlews… According to Shane, these stone curlews blend into the background rather well. They also stay still when [...]