DOUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE
Burhinus bistriatus
DESCRIPTION
The Double-striped Thick-knee is a medium-sized wading bird characterized by its long legs and large, yellow eyes. Its plumage is predominantly brown with distinctive double white stripes running down its neck and wings, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. This species is known for its unique behavior of remaining motionless when threatened, relying on its cryptic coloration to avoid detection.
FUN FACTS
- The Double-striped Thick-knee is known for its distinctive call, which sounds like a series of loud, echoing 'knee' sounds, often heard at night
- This vocalization plays a crucial role in communication during the breeding season, helping to establish territory and attract mates.| Interestingly, the Double-striped Thick-knee has a unique behavior where it will feign injury to distract predators away from its nest, allowing its chicks to escape
- This strategy showcases its adaptability and instinctual survival tactics
QUICK INFO
Lifespanup to 10 years in the wild
Average Weight300-500 g
Average Length40-50 cm
Diet TypeCarnivore
Social Structuresolitary or in pairs, often seen alone or with a mate
Activity PatternCrepuscular
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- This species inhabits open grasslands, savannas, and areas near water bodies. It prefers habitats with sparse vegetation that allows for easy movement and visibility.
- Biomes
- Savanna, Grassland
- Native Range
- The Double-striped Thick-knee is native to parts of Central and South America, particularly in countries like Colombia and Brazil.
- Continent
- South America
- Countries
- Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru
- Diet
- The Double-striped Thick-knee primarily feeds on insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally small vertebrates. It forages by walking slowly and using its keen eyesight to spot prey.
- Diet Type
- Carnivore
- Favorite Food
- insects, small invertebrates
- Social Structure
- solitary or in pairs, often seen alone or with a mate
- Activity Pattern
- Crepuscular
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
VU
LC
300-500 g
Weight
40-50 cm
Length
- Coloration
- brown and gray with white stripes
- Lifespan
- up to 10 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-3
- Sexual Maturity
- 1-2 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a potential threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to agriculture and urbanization. Additionally, hunting in some areas poses a risk to local populations.
- Predators
- foxes, large birds of prey, domestic cats
- Defense Mechanisms
- The Double-striped Thick-knee relies on its camouflage and remains motionless to avoid detection by predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon