Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius
What do they look like ? Long-legged , mottled grey bird with very large yellow eyes and dark mask . Camouflaged like a dead log when lying motionless on the ground . Obvious white patches visible on the wings during flight and in threat posture ( spread wings to deter attack ). Skulking attitude and wailing call are useful identifiers .
Where do they live ? Ground dwelling in woodland and open forest throughout the region , especially frontage country . Preferred habitat has moderate shrub and grass layer , leaf litter and fallen timber . Will also use more open country ( e . g . urban parklands ).
What do they need to live , eat and breed ? Curlews eat invertebrates ( e . g . grasshoppers and spiders ) and small vertebrates ( e . g . skinks , small snakes ) which they hunt on the ground . Some shade and fallen timber may be required for breeding . They lay their camouflaged eggs , usually two , on the ground , often partly sheltered by fallen timber .
When might I see ( or hear ) them ? Heard more than seen , their distinct wailing call is generally heard at night . Away from towns , they are very shy .
What management actions affect this species ? As ground dwellers , Bush Stone-curlews are sensitive to management actions which reduce ground cover and structural diversity over extensive areas ( e . g . land clearing , overgrazing , wildfire ). Maintain special areas , particularly frontage country ; keep tree lines and woodland windrows around cleared paddocks . Bush Stone-curlews are particularly vulnerable to predation from foxes , cats and domestic dogs which disturb nests , eat eggs , chicks and adults . Controlling feral animals will benefit them .
How do they benefit the land I manage ? Bush Stone-curlews hunt small , ground-dwelling animals and invertebrates , keeping the numbers of these in check . They are especially valuable in times of insect plagues ( e . g . grasshoppers and locusts ).
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