Endangered Australian Bird Species |
Continued
 |
The bush stone-curlew is a large bird which stands on long, gangly legs. It is also called the bush thick knee because of its large swollen knees. The shy ground dwelling bird was found across much of Australia in lowland open woodland.
They like areas that have lots of fallen branches and leaf litter on the ground for foraging, shelter and camouflage.
The birds rely on camouflage to remain hidden by day, and feed at night. They are most active on moonlit nights and are more often heard than seen. You may have heard their eerie, wailing "weer-lo" call at night.
 |
In the photo above there are two adults and two chicks, all extremely well camouflaged.
 |
In the above photo we made the birds move a little, and you can just see them amongst the leaves.
 |
In the above photo the adult bird is protecting its chick from the cameraman, whilst chick number two is still well hidden or camouflaged lying flat on the ground above the red number 1.
Some Facts on the Bush Stone Curlew.
Also called the bush thick knee or Willaroo.
Scientific name is Burhinus grallarius.
The bird is endangered in NSW.
Its height is around 60cm. Bigger than a lapwing, smaller than an ibis.
It makes a distinctive wailing "weer-lo" call, mainly at night.
It eats large insects, spiders, snails, small reptiles, small mammals, frogs, small fruits and seeds by poking around amongst the leaf litter and under logs.
Generally reluctant to fly and spends most of its time on the ground.
Lives up to 30 years and generally remains in the same territory with its mate.
A breeding pair of birds will spend most of their time within a territory of about 25ha.
Lay two eggs at a time, in a simple scrape in the ground.
Chicks often killed by foxes, dogs and cats.
When birds aren't breeding they will forage over a larger area of several hundred hectares.
Lives in lowland, grassy woodland areas and riparian forests with few or no shrubs.
These days they are mostly found on private land.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service have a Bush Stone Curlew Survey,
phone 1300 361 967 or E-mail bushstonecurlew@npws.nsw.gov.au
They also have a program on how you can help.
Threats
The Bush Stone Curlew's habit of laying its eggs in a scrape on the ground means the chances of successfully raising a chick is not good.
Eggs, chicks and young birds are often taken by foxes.
Grazing animals trample the eggs. Removal by farmers of timber from under the trees makes areas of habitat unsuitable.
Weeds invade areas of habitat making it unsuitable for the Bush Stone Curlew which needs sparse low grasses.
Existing habitat has become fragmented and divided into smaller and smaller areas, many of which are now too small and too isolated to provide adequate resources for a breeding pair of Bush Stone Curlews.
Where Can You See These Birds?
This web site has been set up for the Chiltern Birdwatchers.
Near Chiltern, in Albury and in Rutherglen, there are two animal sanctuaries.
North of Albury is the Ettamogah Wildlife Sanctuary, which has the breeding pair of Bush Stone Curlews that are photographed above.
To the west of Chiltern is the wine making town of Rutherglen. Behind one of these wineries, Bullers, you will find Buller's Bird Park, which has an extensive array of birds, including two endangered species, the Bush Stone Curlew and the Scarlet Chested Parrot.
 |
Once common around Sydney, It is found in open forest, timbered rocky slopes and ridges, and along watercourses. It responds well to the little disturbed country of the National Parks at Chiltern and Warrambungle.
It feeds on the ground in pairs or in small flocks. Nomadic, breeds in August to December, and nests in dead or hollow trees.
 |
This bird is very rare in some of its former haunts. Generally found only in the inland areas where it frequents mallee, mulga scrub, spinifex, eucalypt and casuarina woodland.
Is seen unobtrusively in pairs or in small parties, and it feeds on seeds on the ground. It seldom goes to water and probably gets its moisture from dew or plants. They breed after rains from August to January, and nest in tree hollows.
The colouring is very similar to the Turquoise Parrot, as is their size, and so both parrots are often mistaken for each other.
This bird may be seen at the Bullers Bird Park, Rutherglen.
Chiltern Birdwatching Trails |
Endangered Australian Birds |
| Regent Honeyeater | Turquoise Parrot |
| Square Tailed Kite | Swift Parrot |
| Scarlet Chested Parrot | Bush Stone Curlew |
Chiltern's |
The Up Button takes you to the Home Page