Species Profile
Senegal Thick-knee
Burhinus senegalensis
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
10 years
Length
38–43 cm
Weight
290–460 g
Wingspan
80–90 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Senegal Stone-curlew
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Appearance
The Senegal Thick-knee is a medium-sized wader with a distinctive large head and eyes. Its plumage is primarily mottled brown and grey, providing excellent camouflage. The bird has a prominent black and white stripe above and below its large yellow eyes.
Both sexes look similar, with no significant seasonal changes in plumage. Juveniles resemble adults but have slightly duller colouration and less defined eye stripes.
The legs are a dull pale yellow, and the knees are prominent, hence its descriptive nomenclature.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Yellow
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
The Senegal Thick-knee inhabits a wide range across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to Kenya and Tanzania. It prefers open, dry habitats such as grasslands, savannahs, and the edges of wetlands.
These birds are generally non-migratory but may make local movements in response to changing water levels or food availability. They are rarely found outside their African range.
Distribution
Diet
Senegal Thick-knees are omnivorous, feeding primarily on insects, small reptiles, and amphibians.
They forage by walking slowly and pecking at the ground, using their large eyes to spot prey in low light conditions. During the day, they may also consume seeds and small fruits.
Behaviour
Senegal Thick-knees are primarily nocturnal, becoming active at dusk. They often stand motionless for long periods, relying on their camouflage to avoid detection.
When alarmed, these birds prefer to run rather than fly, adopting a hunched posture with their heads lowered.
Calls & Sounds
The Senegal Thick-knee has a distinctive, mournful call often heard at night. Its vocalisation is a series of whistling notes, typically described as a repeated "kwee-kwee-kwee" or "wee-wee-wee", which rises and falls in volume and pitch. During the day, they are generally silent unless alarmed.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs year-round in most of its range, with peaks during the dry season. Senegal Thick-knees form monogamous pairs and engage in courtship displays involving head-bobbing and wing-spreading.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often near water. The female typically lays two eggs, which are cryptically coloured to blend with the surrounding soil.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 25-27 days. Chicks are precocial, able to walk and feed themselves shortly after hatching, but remain under parental care for several weeks.
Conservation
While the Senegal Thick-knee is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urbanisation.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland and grassland habitats within its range.
Population
Estimated: Unknown
Trend: Unknown
Elevation
Up to 1,500 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include large raptors, jackals, and monitor lizards. Eggs and chicks are vulnerable to a wider range of predators, including snakes and small carnivores.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Senegal Thick-knees in open, dry habitats near water bodies.
- Listen for their distinctive calls at night, which can help locate them.
- Use a spotlight carefully at night to observe their behaviour, but avoid disturbing them.
- Search for their cryptic plumage against bare ground or short grass during the day.
Did You Know?
- Senegal Thick-knees have exceptionally large eyes, which help them see in low light conditions.
- They can survive in areas with little water, obtaining most of their moisture from their food.
- These birds have a unique defensive behaviour of lying flat on the ground with eyes closed when threatened.
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