Burhinidae

Burhinidae is a family of birds commonly known as stone-curlews or thick-knees. These birds are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. They are characterized by their stout bodies, large eyes adapted for nocturnal vision, and strong legs. Their plumage is typically cryptic, providing camouflage against their ground-dwelling habitats.

The family Burhinidae comprises two genera, Burhinus and Esacus, with a total of nine species. Stone-curlews are primarily terrestrial, preferring open habitats such as grasslands, savannas, deserts, and coastal areas. They are often found near water sources.

These birds are generally crepuscular and nocturnal, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk, and throughout the night. Their diet consists mainly of insects, but they will also consume other invertebrates, small reptiles, and seeds. Stone-curlews are known for their distinctive calls, which can be heard over long distances, especially at night.

Reproduction in stone-curlews typically involves laying one to two eggs on the ground in a shallow scrape. Both parents participate in incubation and the care of the young. The chicks are precocial, able to move and feed themselves shortly after hatching.

Several species of stone-curlew are facing threats due to habitat loss and degradation, leading to some being classified as vulnerable or near threatened by conservation organizations.