Double-striped Thick-knee

Burhinua bistriatus

Meet the Double-striped Thick-knee, a wading bird native to South and Central America. During the day it is very difficult to spot them, as they have striped, patterned plumage that allows them to blend in will with tall grasses.

Night time however, is a slightly different story. They are nocturnal creatures, and make very loud vocalizations. So even though you may not seen them in the dark, you'll probably hear them!

Double-striped Thick-knees feed on insects, worms, and small reptiles and rodents. They are generally monogamous birds, and each pair will raise 2 precocial chicks each breeding season.

At present, the Double-striped Thick-knee has a large enough range and population size to be listed as Least Concern. The population is currently on a stable trend, and there may be as many as 5,000,000 birds out there!

IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : South America
Size : Body Length up to 20in (50cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Charadriiformes
Family: Burhinidae -- Genus : Burhinus -- Species : B. bistriatus
Image : Steve Garvie

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