Photo: Anthony RaeScientific name: Burhinus grallarius
Other Names: Bush thick-knee, Southern stone-curlew
The bush stone-curlew is a groud dwelling bird that is commonly seen on Redlands Coast. The key identifying feature of this species is a plumage, which is excellent for camouflage during the day. Bush stone-curlews are between 54 and 59cm in length and have a wing span of 82-105cm, with males weighing about 670 grams and females about 625 grams.
This bird has long legs, knobbly 'knees' (which are actually ankles) and a small black bill. It is grey-brown in colour with black streaks and has a white forehead and eyebrows, golden eyes and a broad, dark-brown eye stripe.
Status
The Bush stone-curlew is a protected species under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and their conservation listing in Queensland is “Least Concern”.
What do bush stone-curlews eat?
The bush stone-curlew feed on seeds, insects, spiders, and small vertebrates.
Where are they found?
The bush stone-curlew is found in lightly timbered open forests and woodland which provide the best habitat for nesting and camouflage. They can also be found in swampy paddocks, mangroves and salt marshes, but tend to roost at the timbered fringes. In the Redlands, bush stone-curlews often nest near and around residential areas on the mainland and on the Moreton Bay islands.
Bush stone-curlews breed from June to December and are territorial during the breeding season. The mating pair is monogamous and will stay together for the year. The clutch size is two eggs, which are laid on the open ground with little preparation. When they feel their eggs or chicks are in danger, the birds will hiss and spread their wings to ward off potential predators.
Bush stone-curlew behaviour
Being nocturnal, the bush stone-curlew is most often seen resting during the daytime in open forests, woodlands or in parks and gardens. They are shy birds who rely on their plumage for camouflage, and often crouch down, freeze or only walk slowly away when threatened. You may be more familiar with their night-time call though, which is a loud, haunting “weer-lo” and is often repeated by several birds in a chorus.
Breeding behaviour
Bush stone-curlews breed in Spring and Summer and secure a mate with an impressive courtship display. Sometimes they confuse their reflections in glass for a potential mate and can be seen staring longingly through doors or low windows. They lay two eggs in a simple nest on the ground, which is usually close to a fallen log for protection. When bush stone-curlews feel their eggs or chicks are in danger, they will hiss and spread their wings to ward off potential predators. Chicks can’t fly until they are around 9 weeks old and are particularly vulnerable to predation prior to this time.
Conservation
Although bush stone-curlews aren’t threatened in Queensland, they are endangered in New South Wales, Victoria and are threatened in South Australia. Some of their threats include habitat destruction and degradation, predation by foxes and domestic pets, and disruption of their nest by humans or livestock.
How you can help?
You can help to support bush stone-curlews by conserving patches of trees on your property, leaving fallen timber on the ground, keeping your grass below 15cm and controlling animals near known nests.
If you have seen or suspect you have seen a bush stone-curlew, please report it to Atlas of Living Australia.