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.
Image: Indian stone curlew in Nasirpur, Patiala 01 (cropped)
Image: Burhinus indicus range
The large eyes indicate nocturnality
Adult with chick crouching beside it
The stone-curlews, also known as dikkops or thick-knees, consist of 10 species within the family Burhinidae, and are found throughout the tropical and temperate parts of the world, with two or more species occurring in some areas of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Despite the group being classified as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semiarid habitats.
Image: Burhinus grallarius bush stone curlew (3899777268)
Image: Burhinidae range
Image: Double striped Thick knee
Image: Peruvian Thick knee (Burhinus superciliaris), crop