Natural History

Burhinus

Burhinus is a genus of birds in the family Burhinidae. This family also contains the genera Esacus and Hesperoburhinus. The genus name Burhinus comes from the Greek bous, ox, and rhis, nose. The species of Burhinus are commonly called stone-curlew, thick-knee, or dikkop. They are medium-sized, terrestrial waders, though they are generally found in semi-arid to arid, open areas. Only some species of Burhinus are associated with water. The genus ranges from 32 cm to 59 cm in size. Burhinus are characterised by their long legs, long wings and cryptic plumage. Most species have a short, thick, strong bill, to which the generic name alludes. The stone-curlews are found all over the world except Antarctica. They are mainly tropical, with the greatest diversity in the Old World.

Also on this shelf

See also

• ▸Indian grey mongoose
• ▸John Betjeman
• ▸Dietary biology of the brown bear

Uncatalogued shelf

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