Burhinus

Dikkop - Burhinus capensis, crop

Eurasian Thicknee - Along Po river - Italy FJ0A1202 (28252446508), crop

Indian Thick-knee Burhinus indicus by Dr. Raju Kasambe DSCN9380 (14)

Senegal Thick-knee - Gambia (32528240471), crop

Kaptriel - Spotted dikkop - Burhinus capensis

Burhinus is a genus of birds in the family Burhinidae, known commonly as the thick-knees or stone-curlews. These birds are characterized by their strong, long legs, and their cryptic plumage which serves as camouflage in their natural habitat. The genus is distributed widely, with species found in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia.

Description

Members of the genus Burhinus are medium-sized birds with a distinctive appearance. They have large yellow or yellow-green eyes, which are adapted to their nocturnal lifestyle. Their plumage is usually brown, with patterns that help them blend into their surroundings. Thick-knees have long legs and strong bills, which they use to feed on a variety of prey, including insects, crustaceans, and small vertebrates.

Habitat and Behavior

Burhinus species are typically found in open landscapes such as grasslands, savannas, and semi-deserts. They are ground-nesting birds, laying their eggs in simple scrapes. These birds are known for their nocturnal habits, although they can also be active during the day. Their calls, often heard at night, are distinctive and vary among species.

Conservation

The conservation status of Burhinus species varies. While some species are common and widespread, others face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and human disturbance. Conservation efforts are in place for several species, focusing on habitat protection and research to better understand their ecology and requirements.

Species

The genus Burhinus includes several species, such as:

• Burhinus oedicnemus – Eurasian Stone-curlew
• Burhinus senegalensis – Senegal Thick-knee
• Burhinus capensis – Spotted Thick-knee
• Burhinus bistriatus – Double-striped Thick-knee
• Burhinus superciliaris – Peruvian Thick-knee

See Also

• Bird
• Nocturnality
• Camouflage
• Conservation status