Thick-knees – Group Overview

Thick-knees, also known as stone-curlews, are medium to large wading birds characterised by their large eyes, strong legs, and upright posture. They are typically associated with open, dry landscapes such as grasslands, scrub, riverbeds, and semi-arid terrain.

Thick-knees belong to the family Burhinidae. Despite being classified as waders, many species are largely terrestrial and are most active at dusk or during the night, when they forage for insects, small reptiles, and other ground-dwelling prey.

Their cryptic plumage and still behaviour allow thick-knees to blend seamlessly into their surroundings during the day. Loud, far-carrying calls often reveal their presence after dark.

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This section features photographs of thick-knees documented across open and sparsely vegetated habitats, highlighting differences in size, posture, and behaviour among species.

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Licensing & Prints

Selected photographs of thick-knees are available for licensing and editorial use.
View Thick-knees Collection