The beach stone-curlew also known as beach thick-knee is a large, ground-dwelling bird that occurs in Australasia, the islands of South-east Asia. At 55 cm (22 in) and 1 kg (2.2 lb), it is one of the world's largest shorebirds.
Region
Australasia and Southeast Asian coasts
Typical Environment
Found along tropical and subtropical shorelines from Southeast Asia to New Guinea and northern Australia. Prefers wide, undisturbed sandy beaches, tidal flats, and coral cay shorelines, as well as mangrove-fringed estuaries. Avoids inland habitats and typically keeps close to the intertidal zone. Nests on open substrate just above the high-tide mark where visibility is good but cover is sparse.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 50 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the beach thick-knee, it is one of the world’s largest shorebirds with a massive bill adapted for cracking crabs. It nests on open sand or shingle just above the high-tide line, making it highly vulnerable to disturbance by people, vehicles, and dogs. Mostly crepuscular and nocturnal, it relies on camouflage, often standing motionless during the day.
Temperament
wary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong low flight with steady, powerful wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories along stretches of beach. Breeding pairs scrape a shallow nest on open sand or shingle and usually lay a single large egg. Both adults share incubation and perform distraction displays to deter intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal mainly at night and dusk, giving loud, ringing whistles and wailing calls that carry over beaches and estuaries. Alarm notes are sharp and repeated, especially when disturbed near nest sites.
Plumage
Mottled grey-brown upperparts with paler underparts and a bold dark breast band; feathers dense and sleek for coastal conditions.
Diet
Specializes in crabs and other crustaceans, which it captures by stalking and then smashing or prising open with its powerful bill. Also takes mollusks, worms, and small marine invertebrates. Forages visually, often pausing to scan before making quick strikes.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along the edges of tidal flats, sandbars, and mangrove-lined channels, particularly where soldier crabs and ghost crabs are abundant. Often works the strandline and shallow pools exposed at low tide.
