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Description

Species Name: Bush Stone-curlew

Species Latin Name: (Burhinus grallarius, formerly Burhinus magnirostris)

Alternative Names: Bush Thick-knee

Native To: Australia

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Photo Taken At: N/A

Size (height): 50-60cm (19.7-23.6 inches)

Weight: 625-670g (22.1-23.6oz)

Wingspan: 55-60cm (21.7-23.6 inches)

Lifespan: 20-30 Years

Population Size: 10,000 – 15,000

Population Trend: Decreasing

Diet: Carnivore

Lifestyle: Terrestial, oviparous, precocial, wading birds

Mating Behavior: Monogamy

Reproduction Season: July-January

Eggs Per Brood: 2 eggs

Incubation Period: 28 days

Independent Age: 3-9 months

Baby Name: Chick

Description: The Bush Stone-curlew is an unusual looking bird that has a unique pattern of brown and white feathers across its body. They have large yellow eyes, a small dark bill, and thin yet long light gray legs. The species are similar between the males and the females however, the juveniles will sport a more paler plumage until they reach maturity. No other Australian bird seems to resemble the Bush Stone-curlew, the closest relative bird known as the Beach Stone-curlew has a larger bill and a plumage distinct from the Bush Stone-curlew.

Diet: These foragers have a wide ranging diet and will take all of the food they do eat from the ground. These birds will prefer to eat insects, molluscs, small lizards, seeds and at times small mammals. As these are nocturnal bird most if not all of their feeding occurs at night. During nesting season these birds will feed exclusively around the nesting site but outside of nesting season these birds can and will travel great distances as they feed.

Behavior: These strange looking birds rely heavily on the camouflage of their feathers. If disturbed they will freeze in peculiar positions in an attempt to blend into their surroundings, this tactic may prove effective to potential predators that rely on sight but is not effective for predators that rely on smell such as dingo's, foxes, or goannas. If they are vigorously pursued they are capable of flying long distance or running in a fast and agile manner.

Threats to the species: Whilst these species are quite common further up north in Australia their numbers are declining further down south in the less fertile regions of the country. It is believed the main reason for the decline would be due to predation due to animals such as foxes however, there are areas where foxes are common where this bird still thrives. Loss of habitat has played a major role in the population decline of these birds, despite this it appears that these birds have developed a preference over time for agricultural lands as well some urban areas with some areas of vegetation where they can live. These birds are listed as endangered in the states of New South Whales as well as Victoria. In 2014 the birds have been reintroduced in a protected area in the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary in the North Canberra region using a combination of hard and soft release strategies.

Further Reading (general information):

Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush_sto…

Birdlife: www.birdlife.org.au/bird-profi…

Animalia: animalia.bio/bush-stone-curlew

Australian Museum: australian.museum/learn/animal…

NSW Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/top…

NSW office of Environment & Heritage: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/thr…

Further Reading (conservation efforts):

Saving Our Species: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/sav…

Description

Species Name: Bush Stone-curlew

Species Latin Name: (Burhinus grallarius, formerly Burhinus magnirostris)

Alternative Names: Bush Thick-knee

Native To: Australia

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Photo Taken At: N/A

Size (height): 50-60cm (19.7-23.6 inches)

Weight: 625-670g (22.1-23.6oz)

Wingspan: 55-60cm (21.7-23.6 inches)

Lifespan: 20-30 Years

Population Size: 10,000 – 15,000

Population Trend: Decreasing

Diet: Carnivore

Lifestyle: Terrestial, oviparous, precocial, wading birds

Mating Behavior: Monogamy

Reproduction Season: July-January

Eggs Per Brood: 2 eggs

Incubation Period: 28 days

Independent Age: 3-9 months

Baby Name: Chick

Description: The Bush Stone-curlew is an unusual looking bird that has a unique pattern of brown and white feathers across its body. They have large yellow eyes, a small dark bill, and thin yet long light gray legs. The species are similar between the males and the females however, the juveniles will sport a more paler plumage until they reach maturity. No other Australian bird seems to resemble the Bush Stone-curlew, the closest relative bird known as the Beach Stone-curlew has a larger bill and a plumage distinct from the Bush Stone-curlew.

Diet: These foragers have a wide ranging diet and will take all of the food they do eat from the ground. These birds will prefer to eat insects, molluscs, small lizards, seeds and at times small mammals. As these are nocturnal bird most if not all of their feeding occurs at night. During nesting season these birds will feed exclusively around the nesting site but outside of nesting season these birds can and will travel great distances as they feed.

Behavior: These strange looking birds rely heavily on the camouflage of their feathers. If disturbed they will freeze in peculiar positions in an attempt to blend into their surroundings, this tactic may prove effective to potential predators that rely on sight but is not effective for predators that rely on smell such as dingo's, foxes, or goannas. If they are vigorously pursued they are capable of flying long distance or running in a fast and agile manner.

Threats to the species: Whilst these species are quite common further up north in Australia their numbers are declining further down south in the less fertile regions of the country. It is believed the main reason for the decline would be due to predation due to animals such as foxes however, there are areas where foxes are common where this bird still thrives. Loss of habitat has played a major role in the population decline of these birds, despite this it appears that these birds have developed a preference over time for agricultural lands as well some urban areas with some areas of vegetation where they can live. These birds are listed as endangered in the states of New South Whales as well as Victoria. In 2014 the birds have been reintroduced in a protected area in the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary in the North Canberra region using a combination of hard and soft release strategies.

Further Reading (general information):

Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush_sto…

Birdlife: www.birdlife.org.au/bird-profi…

Animalia: animalia.bio/bush-stone-curlew

Australian Museum: australian.museum/learn/animal…

NSW Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/top…

NSW office of Environment & Heritage: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/thr…

Further Reading (conservation efforts):

Saving Our Species: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/sav…