The Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis) is a nocturnal, ground-dwelling bird found across Africa. Its intricately spotted and streaked plumage provides superb camouflage against the dry, stony ground it inhabits.
Where to spot
Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. Inhabits dry savannas, grasslands, open woodlands, and stony ground, often near water sources.
How to spot
Listen for its distinctive calls at night. During the day, they are cryptic and difficult to spot, often resting motionless in shaded areas. Use a spotlight at night to find their reflective eyes.
When to spot
Year-round resident. Primarily nocturnal, so best observed at dusk, during the night, or very early morning. More vocal during the breeding season.
Where to spot
Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. Inhabits dry savannas, grasslands, open woodlands, and stony ground, often near water sources.
How to spot
Listen for its distinctive calls at night. During the day, they are cryptic and difficult to spot, often resting motionless in shaded areas. Use a spotlight at night to find their reflective eyes.
When to spot
Year-round resident. Primarily nocturnal, so best observed at dusk, during the night, or very early morning. More vocal during the breeding season.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Its loud, wailing calls, often described as 'wheee-wheee-wheee,' are a quintessential sound of the African night, especially during the breeding season.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.