Great Stone-curlew

Identification

The Great Stone-curlew is a large wader, measuring 49–55 cm in length, with a distinctive massive bill that sets it apart from most other birds. The most striking feature is its 7 cm bill with a sharp angle on the lower mandible, giving it a characteristically upturned appearance. The specific name recurvirostris literally refers to this "bent backwards" bill.

The plumage is unstreaked grey-brown on the upperparts and breast, contrasting with whitish underparts. The face bears a striking black and white pattern that adds to its distinctive appearance. The bill is black with a yellow base, while the bright yellow eyes are particularly prominent. The legs are a duller greenish-yellow. In flight, look for the striking black and white flight feathers on the upperwing and the mainly white underwing. Sexes are similar in appearance, though young birds are slightly paler than adults.

Range & Habitat

The Great Stone-curlew is a resident breeder across tropical southern Asia, with its range extending from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka eastward into South-east Asia and Bangladesh. Being a resident breeder, populations maintain year-round presence throughout their range rather than undertaking major migrations.

This species shows a clear preference for specific habitats, favouring gravel banks along rivers and large lakes, as well as beaches. These open, exposed environments provide the habitat conditions this wader requires for feeding and breeding.

Behaviour & Diet

Like other stone-curlews, the Great Stone-curlew is primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, becoming most active during twilight hours and at night. However, it can frequently be observed foraging during the day, moving slowly and deliberately across its preferred habitats with occasional short runs. The species tends to be wary, and when disturbed will typically fly off into the distance with powerful, rather stiff wingbeats that are characteristic of its flight style.

The diet consists of crabs, large insects, and other animal prey hunted opportunistically. The call is a distinctive wailing whistle, primarily given at night. Breeding is minimal and efficient: a single egg is laid in a bare scrape on open shingle, requiring little nest preparation.

Best Time & Places to See It

The Great Stone-curlew's primarily nocturnal and crepuscular habits make early morning and late evening the best times for observation, when the birds are most active. However, daytime foraging opportunities do occur, particularly in less-disturbed locations. Being a resident breeder throughout its range, the species is present year-round across southern Asia from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka through to South-east Asia and Bangladesh.

Focus your search on gravel banks along rivers and large lakes, as well as suitable beach habitats where these birds naturally congregate and breed.

Photography Tips

The Great Stone-curlew's wary nature means patience and careful approach are essential. Early morning and evening light will best capture the striking facial patterns and the bright yellow eyes that characterize this species. The contrast between the black and white facial markings provides excellent compositional opportunities.

When photographing birds in flight, be prepared for their powerful, stiff wingbeats. Include perched birds to showcase the distinctive upturned bill and overall posture. The contrast between the grey-brown upperparts and whitish underparts, combined with the black and yellow bill, makes this a photogenic subject when properly lit.