Burhinus
Genus of thick-knee birds with eerie nocturnal calls.
Burhinus is a genus of medium-sized, terrestrial waders in the family Burhinidae, which also includes the genus Esacus. Commonly called thick-knees, stone-curlews, or dikkops, these birds range in size from 32 to 59 centimeters. The genus name comes from the Greek *bous* (ox) and *rhis* (nose), referring to their stout, strong bill. They are found across the world except Antarctica, primarily in tropical regions, with the greatest diversity in the Old World. While they are waders, most species inhabit semi-arid to arid open areas, and only some are associated with water.
The genus was established by German zoologist Johann Karl Wilhelm Illiger in 1811, with the bush stone-curlew as the type species. Their classification has been challenging due to their ancient lineage. They are best placed in the order Charadriiformes, though they resemble bustards (Otididae) and were once grouped with them in Gruiformes; this similarity is now considered convergent evolution due to similar lifestyles and habitats. Evidence from skeletons, biochemistry, parasites, and downy young confirms their charadriiform placement. Multi-locus analysis suggests Burhinidae is closest to Charadriidae, not Scolopacidae, and places *Burhinus* within Charadrii, sister to Scolopaci. Some similarities to Glareolidae are also thought to be convergent. DNA–DNA hybridization and sequence data support a link to Recurvirostridae. A phenotypic study proposed splitting the family into three genera, moving the bush stone-curlew into a subfamily with *Esacus*, but this is not universally accepted. The Indian stone-curlew was split from the Eurasian species due to its non-migratory behavior.
There are six living species, none threatened or extinct since 1600. Three fossil species are known: *Burhinus lucorum* from the Early Miocene of Nebraska, *B. aquilonaris* from the Pleistocene of Kansas, and the dwarf thick-knee (*B. nanus*) from the Late Pleistocene of the Bahamas. These birds have long legs, large eyes, and eerie nocturnal calls. Their cryptic plumage consists of sandy browns with streaks, mottles, and spots of cream, buff, brown, and black. The head has a broad, domed crown, reflected in the Afrikaans name *dikkop* ("thick head"). In flight, the wings show striking black primary feathers with white patches, contrasting with the otherwise cryptic body. The bill is stout, medium to short for a w
- field
- Ornithology
- known_for
- Nocturnal calls, cryptic plumage, terrestrial wading in arid habitats
- size_range
- 32 cm to 59 cm
- family
- Burhinidae
- type_species
- Bush stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius)
Lore & Background
The genus Burhinus was erected by German zoologist Johann Karl Wilhelm Illiger in 1811, with the bush stone-curlew as the type species. Determining the correct taxonomic placement of Burhinidae has been difficult due to their ancient lineage; they are best placed in Charadriiformes, though they resemble bustards (Otididae) and were once classified with them in Gruiformes—a case of convergent evolution. Multi-locus analysis places Burhinus within Charadrii, sister to Scolopaci, and DNA–DNA hybridization supports a link to Recurvirostridae. Some phylogenies suggest a sister relationship to Glareolidae, also considered convergent.
Reader's Guide
Burhinus species are significant as ancient, specialized waders adapted to dry, open landscapes rather than typical wetland habitats. Their cryptic plumage and nocturnal behavior make them elusive, and their eerie calls are distinctive. The genus includes six extant species, none threatened, and three fossil species from the Miocene and Pleistocene. Taxonomic debates persist: some studies propose splitting the family into three genera (Esacus, Burhinus, and resurrected Orthorhampus), and the double-striped thick-knees were recently transferred to Hesperoburhinus. The bush stone-curlew has a confusing history, previously considered two species and sometimes placed in Esacus. Burhinus are generally sedentary, except for migratory Eurasian stone-curlews, and they breed in arid to semi-arid habitats with open visibility. Their slow, overlapping moult pattern is unusual among birds.
Did You Know?
- The name Burhinus combines Greek bous (ox) and rhis (nose), referring to the thick bill.
- Burhinus are found all over the world except Antarctica, with greatest diversity in the Old World.
- The bush stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius) was described by John Gould in 1845.
- Three fossil species are known: Burhinus lucorum (Early Miocene), Burhinus aquilonaris (Pleistocene), and dwarf thick-knee Burhinus nanus (Late Pleistocene).
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