Bird Guide

Senegal Thick-knee vs Water Thick-knee

Senegal Thick-knee (Burhinus senegalensis)

Senegal Thick-knee

Burhinus senegalensis

Large326 gWetland

Senegal thick-knees are medium-large waders with strong black and yellow black bills, large yellow eyes — which give them a reptilian appearance — and cryptic plumage. They are similar but slightly smaller than the Eurasian stone-curlew, which winters in Africa. The long dark bill, single black bar on the folded wing, and darker cheek stripe are distinctions from the European species. Senegal thick-knee is striking in flight, with a broad white wing bar.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Attila Oláh · CC BY 4.0
Water Thick-knee (Burhinus vermiculatus)

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

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