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.

Stone Curlews are native to temperate Europe through to Central Asia and to North Africa. Most are resident but some (including those breeding in UK) migrate south for winter.