BIRD #11 OF 45

Bush-Stone Curlew

The Bush Stone-curlew is one of Australia’s most unusual birds. With its enormous yellow eyes and eerie, wailing call, it’s a master of camouflage and is most active after dark.

During the day, it stands perfectly still among leaf litter, relying on its colouring to avoid being seen.

  • HABITAT

    Woodland, open forest, grassland

  • CONSERVATION STATUS

    Least Concern (LC)

  • LOCATION

    WA, NT, QLD, NSW, VIC

  • HOW TO SPOT IT

    🦤 Medium-sized ground bird with long legs
    👀 Large yellow eyes and a short, stout bill
    🤎 Brown and grey streaked plumage for excellent camouflage
    🌳 Often stands motionless or slowly walks through open woodland

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Bush Stone-curlews have one of Australia’s most haunting bird calls. Their eerie, high-pitched wails are often heard at night and have inspired many Aboriginal stories and local legends.