Peruvian Thick-knee (Burhinus superciliaris)

Identification & Behavior: ~40 cm (15.7 in). The Peruvian Thick-Knee is structurally similar to a plover. It has a large square-looking head with large pale eyes. Its plumage is brownish-gray with pale streaks and spots and pale underparts. It has long greenish legs. See plovers of the Family Charadriidae.

Status: The Peruvian Thick-Knee is fairly common in open habitats in the western lowlands and foothills. It sits still in pairs or groups during the day and becomes active and vocal at night. It also occurs in Ec and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Alcaraban Huerequeque.

Sub-species: Peruvian Thick-Knee (Burhinus superciliaris) Tschudi, 1843.

Meaning of Name:  Burhinus:  Gr. Bous= an ox; rhinos=the nose. In reference to the bull-headed appearance of a Thick-knee.  superciliaris: L. ref. to supercilium; eyebrow.

See more of the Family Burhinidae