Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius)

The Bush Stone-curlew or Bush Thick-knee (Burhinus grallarius, obsolete name Burhinus magnirostris) is a large (55–60 cm wingspan),  ground-dwelling bird endemic to Australia. Although it looks rather like a wader and is related to the oystercatchers, avocets and plovers, it is a terrestrial predator filling an ecological niche similar to that of the roadrunners of North America.

Bush Stone Curlew1 Bush Stone Curlew2They are readily seen near most coastal and some inland areas of Australia.  If you are staying at the Rainbow Waters Holiday Park, they can be seen near the tent area and the camp kitchen around dusk.  Listen for the high-pitched eerie scream (see video below).

bsc map

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS BIRD

Wikipedia

Birdlife

Birdlife Australia

Birds in Backyards

Australian Wildlife Conservancy

 

VIDEOS

A good sample of the screaming sound they make.

This one is funny – the bird wandered into someone’s cabin and proceeded to audition for a role in “Scream Queens”!