Indian stone-curlew

The Indian stone-curlew or Indian thick-knee is a species of bird in the family Burhinidae. It was formerly included as a subspecies of the Eurasian stone-curlew. This species is found in the plains of South and South-eastern Asia. They have large eyes and are brown with streaks and pale marks making it hard to spot against the background of soils and rocks. Mostly active in the dark, they produce calls similar to the true curlews, giving them their names.

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Distribution

Region

South Asia

Typical Environment

Occurs widely from Pakistan across most of India to Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, extending east into Myanmar. Prefers open, arid to semi-arid landscapes with sparse vegetation, including scrub, thorn forest margins, dry riverbeds, and stony plains. Frequently uses agricultural fields, grazed land, and village outskirts where ground cover is low. By day it rests, often crouched and relying on camouflage; at dusk it becomes active to feed.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size40–44 cm

Wing Span75–90 cm

Male Weight0.4 kg

Female Weight0.42 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Also called the Indian thick-knee, this nocturnal shorebird of dry country uses its huge yellow eyes to forage in low light. Its streaked, sandy-brown plumage is excellent camouflage on stony ground and fallow fields. When flushed it reveals striking black-and-white wing patterns and gives far-carrying, curlew-like whistles.

Gallery

The large eyes indicate nocturnality

Adult with chick crouching beside it

Roosting in shade

Blending with its environment

Behaviour

Temperament

wary and secretive

Flight Pattern

strong flier with rapid wingbeats and brief glides

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups. Monogamous pairs nest on the ground in a simple scrape, typically laying 1–2 well-camouflaged eggs. Both parents incubate and guard precocial young that rely heavily on camouflage.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Nocturnal and crepuscular vocalizer with loud, wailing, curlew-like whistles. Calls often delivered in series, carrying far across open country, especially on warm nights.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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