Eurasian Stone-curlew vs Water Thick-knee: How to Tell Them Apart

Eurasian Stone-curlew

Burhinus oedicnemus

Large459 gGrassland

The Eurasian stone-curlew is a fairly large wader, though mid-sized by the standards of its family. Length ranges from 38 to 46 cm (15 to 18 in), wingspan from 76 to 88 cm (30 to 35 in) and weight from 290 to 535 g (10.2 to 18.9 oz). with a strong yellow and black beak, large yellow eyes (which give it a "reptilian", or "goggle-eyed" appearance), and cryptic plumage. The bird is striking in flight, with black and white wing markings.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recorded by Philippe_Grange · Nocturnal flight call · Arrondissement de la Roche-sur-Yon (near La Roche-sur-Yon), Vendée, Pays de la Loire, France · CC0

Photo: Frank Vassen from Brussels, Belgium · CC BY 2.0

Water Thick-knee

Burhinus vermiculatus

Large320 gWetland

The water thick-knee is 38 to 41 cm (15–16 in) and weighs 293–320 g (10.3–11.3 oz). It has a heavy bill that is black with some pale yellow from the nostril to the base. The wings are broad and blunt and the tail is short. Its legs are pale greenish yellow, and the iris colour greenish yellow with black tracing.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Wynand Uys · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

Ethiopia Uganda Kenya

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Eurasian Stone-curlew and Water Thick-knee.