About Burhinus oedicnemus (Linnaeus, 1758)
The Eurasian stone-curlew, scientific name Burhinus oedicnemus (Linnaeus, 1758), is a fairly large wader that is mid-sized by the standards of its family. It measures 38 to 46 cm (15 to 18 in) in length, has a wingspan of 76 to 88 cm (30 to 35 in), and weighs 290 to 535 g (10.2 to 18.9 oz). This species has a strong yellow-and-black beak, large yellow eyes that give it a "reptilian" or "goggle-eyed" appearance, and cryptic plumage. When in flight, its distinct black and white wing markings make it easy to recognize. The Eurasian stone-curlew is distributed across Europe, north Africa, and southwestern Asia. Populations in the more temperate parts of its European and Asian range are summer migrants, and they spend the winter in Africa. Despite being classified as a wader, this species prefers dry open habitats that include some bare ground. The Eurasian stone-curlew is largely nocturnal, especially when it sings its loud wailing songs that resemble the songs of curlews. Its diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates, and it occasionally eats small reptiles, frogs, and rodents.
