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Distinctive large shorebird with long legs, enormous yellow eye, heavily streaked underparts.
VIC: Endangered; WA: Rare; NT: Critically Endangered
Indigenous: Guwilu, Gurlambijbij, Wuruyan, Wuuyan, Guwelewu, Milbay, Gwelu, Guwerluh, Guminda, A-Gurluwitjjbitjj, Ngarug, Gurabi, Gurrubœrlah, Gumioga, Guwirlu
At a glance
FamilyThick-knees
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatClosed forest, Grassland, Open woodland, and Sparse woodland
Best timeReported across most months in Queensland, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Étienne Leroy
Range map
Range map
2477visible hotspots
89196visible records
5states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
During the day stands or sits under small trees/shrubs, often in small groups. When disturbed will lie down and flatten neck to the ground. In cities like Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane it is relatively common in parks, open grounds, camping grounds. More common across northern Australia.
Behavior
Distinctive large shorebird with long legs, enormous yellow eye, heavily streaked underparts. At night becomes active and wanders around calling its wonderful eerie wailing cry.
Gallery