The Beach Stone-curlew or Beach Thick-knee is a distinctive bird, notable for its significant size among shorebirds and unique lifestyle. This creature is not just a sight to behold for any bird lover, but also an exciting species for ornithologists, offering insightful knowledge about its unique adaptive behaviors.
The Beach Stone-curlew, with its striking size and weight, stands out among its peers, making it a distinguished species in the bird world. As one of the largest shorebirds, it promises a fascinating sight for those who frequent the bird sanctuary or the birdlife sanctuary. Its captivating presence underlines why we must take active steps in bird conservation and ensure their habitats remain undisturbed.
Beach Stone-curlew at a Glance
| Serial Number | Characteristics | Description |
| 1 | Common name | Beach Stone-curlew |
| 2 | Scientific name | Esacus magnirostris |
| 3 | Colour | Predominantly grey-brown in color with a strikingly large, broad black bill, yellow eyes, and long grey legs |
| 4 | Average length | 55 cm |
| 5 | Average weight | Males average 1,032 g, while females average 1,000 g |
| 6 | Type of bird | Shorebird |
| 7 | Found in India in states | Not found in India |
| 8 | Habitat | Open beaches, exposed reefs, mangroves, tidal sand or mudflats |
| 9 | IUCN Status | Near Threatened |
Features of the Beach Stone-curlew
Length
With an average length of about 55 cm, the Beach Stone-curlew is indeed one of the largest shorebirds on the planet. This significant length, combined with their overall weight, gives them a very imposing presence among other shorebirds. This also makes it an exciting subject for bird image name searches, as capturing the full length of this large bird can make for some impressive bird photos.
Height
Due to their long legs, the Beach Stone-curlew stands quite high off the ground. The height refers to the vertical length of the bird from its feet to the top of its head. It’s an essential attribute that enables them to wade through the water during foraging. This characteristic height is one of the many reasons bird lovers find this species so fascinating.
Running Speed
The Beach Stone-curlew is not known for its running speed. It’s a slow-moving bird, taking deliberate and measured steps while foraging. Unlike other birds that may dash off at the slightest disturbance, the Beach Stone-curlew is more likely to fly off in a leisurely manner.
Color
The Beach Stone-curlew’s color is a unique feature that allows them to blend with their surroundings. It is predominantly grey-brown, making it easily camouflaged against the sandy beaches and mangroves that it calls home. Their long, broad, black bill and striking yellow eyes are distinguishing characteristics that make it easily identifiable in bird png or bird picture collections.
Habitat and Food of the Bird
- Habitat: You can spot the Beach Stone-curlew in different coastal surroundings such as open beaches, exposed reefs, mangroves, and tidal sand or mudflats. This bird prefers undisturbed habitats, and human activity can often cause it to move locations.
- Food: These birds have a diverse diet and can be classified as omnivores. They feed primarily on crabs, but will also consume other types of invertebrates and small vertebrates.
- Foraging: The Beach Stone-curlew forages by sight, catching its prey with a quick strike of its beak. This particular stone-curlew is not strictly nocturnal and may be spotted foraging during daylight hours..
- Geographical Distribution: Beach Stone-curlews have a vast range. They are found in coastal eastern Australia, the northern Australian coast, nearby islands, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
- Impact of Human Activity: Their habitat preference for open beaches and tidal mudflats often brings them into conflict with human activities.
Nesting and Nurturing
The Beach Stone-curlew demonstrates a unique approach to nesting. Instead of building a nest in a tree or a cliff, it lays a single egg just above the high tide line on the open beach. This nesting behavior makes the egg vulnerable to predation and human disturbance, adding to the threats this bird faces. The bird nest of this species is unique and serves as an interesting study for conservationists.
Threats
The Beach Stone-curlew faces various threats, most notably habitat loss due to human activities. As a bird that resides in open beaches and mangroves, it is often displaced by beachfront development and human disturbance. Moreover, its eggs, laid out in the open, are vulnerable to predators and the impacts of careless human activities. Predation by invasive species is another significant threat to the Beach Stone-curlew.
IUCN Status and Conservation
Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the Beach Stone-curlew, which is currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This highlights the importance of taking action to preserve this distinct species. Maintaining and protecting its habitats are of utmost importance. The Beach Stone-curlew’s unique characteristics and behaviors have made it an integral part of the birdlife community. Therefore, the conservation of this bird species is essential to maintaining biodiversity.
If you’re a bird lover seeking to spot the Beach Stone-curlew, remember to visit a bird sanctuary or bird shop near me for binoculars or bird guides. Enjoy the process of bird watching while contributing to bird conservation efforts.
Conclusion
The Beach Stone-curlew is a captivating bird species, standing tall among other shorebirds due to its significant size. It is a symbol of the richness of the avian world, proving that diversity comes in all shapes and sizes. The Beach Stone-curlew, with its mesmerizing presence, emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts in preserving bird species and their habitats.
Therefore, let’s cherish these feathered creatures and contribute to their conservation. Whether you spot them in flight, see their images in a bird shop, or admire their beauty in a bird sanctuary, remember the importance of their survival for a balanced ecosystem. Appreciate their presence and pledge to protect them for future generations of bird lovers to admire and study.
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