This species prefers gravel banks along rivers or large lakes, and also beaches.
It is mainly nocturnal or crepuscular like other stone-curlews, but can frequently be seen foraging during the day, moving slowly and deliberately, with occasional short runs.
It tends to be wary and flies off into the distance ahead of the observer, employing powerful, rather stiff wingbeats.
The call is a wailing whistle, given mainly at night, as with other birds in this family.
The great thick-knee eats crabs, large insects, and other animal prey.
A single egg is laid in a bare scrape on the open shingle.
This species prefers gravel banks along rivers or large lakes, and also beaches. It is mainly nocturnal or crepuscular like other stone-curlews, but can frequently be seen foraging during the day, moving slowly and deliberately, with occasional short runs. It tends to be wary and flies off into the distance ahead of the observer, employing powerful, rather stiff wingbeats. The call is a wailing whistle, given mainly at night, as with other birds in this family. The great thick-knee eats crabs, large insects, and other animal prey. A single egg is laid in a bare scrape on the open shingle.
Great stone-curlew