Stone Curlew

Burhinus oedicnemus

The (Eurasian) Stone Curlew is part of a group of species including other Stone Curlews, Thick-knees and Dikkops worldwide which are related to waders, but prefer dry habitats. It is a rare summer visitor to Britain from Africa and leads a secretive semi-nocturnal existence -- the reason for the big eyes. It is not related to the Curlew but has a similar call.

 Links:

Bush Stone-curlew (Australia)

Peruvian Thick-knee