The Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) is not related to the curlew; the common name comes from the stone-curlew's repeated 'kur-lee' call. The specific name Oedicnemus derives from the Greek for 'swollen shinned', these birds are also known as "Thick Knees" due to their large, heavy-looking legs. Stone Curlews are often difficult to locate except by their wailing nocturnal calls. Stone Curlews are often easier to spot around the drying edges of wetlands such as Porto Lagos in Greece and the Kalloni saltpans on Lesbos where small flocks gather in late summer. It can be seen from early spring through late summer when birds depart for winter grounds in Africa. Despite being classed as a wader, this species prefers dry open habitats with some bare ground. Stone Curlews are easy to identify by their streaky sandy-brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage against sandy soils during the day when they are mainly inactive. Stone Curlews are a long-bodied, long-tailed shape with a broad white bar across the folded wing. However, their most prominent characteristic is their eye which is flanked by a puffy white ‘bag’ underneath and a bold white eyebrow above.
