Bush Stone-curlew, Adelaide Zoo, South Australia

I find the Bush Stone-curlew to be a fascinating bird. It seems so ungainly on its long legs, yet to see it run one has to conclude that it is very graceful in its movements.

While it tends to be a bird of the grasslands and open woodlands of rural western , northern, eastern and south eastern Australia, it has adapted to a more artificial lifestyle in urban areas, especially in Queensland.

Another intriguing aspect of this bird’s behaviour is its haunting call. The eerie ‘weee-ooo’ call carries far into the night – it usually calls at night – and is a well known sound of the Australian bush. To hear a recording of the call click here.

Sadly, I have yet to add this species to my list of birds seen in their natural environment.

The photos on this post were taken at the Adelaide Zoo.

Bush Stone-curlew, Adelaide Zoo, South Australia

Bush Stone-curlew, Adelaide Zoo, South Australia