The Water Thick-knee (Burhinus vermiculatus) is a distinctive African bird known for its large yellow eyes, cryptic plumage, and surprisingly thick leg joints, often found near water bodies in Sub-Saharan Africa, feeding nocturnally on insects and amphibians, and famously forming a mutualistic relationship with crocodiles for nest protection.
Key Facts:
Appearance: About 38-41cm long, brown/grey mottled, large yellow eyes, short stout bill, and prominent "thick knees" (actually ankles).
Habitat: Prefers freshwater wetlands like riverbanks, lakes, and mangroves, usually within 1km of water.
Behavior: Mostly nocturnal or crepuscular (dawn/dusk), foraging for insects, mollusks, frogs, and tadpoles; they prefer to run than fly when disturbed.
Nesting: A simple scrape in sand or gravel near water, often on sandbars.
Unique Symbiosis: Pairs often nest right next to or on crocodile nests, using their loud calls and threat displays to alert crocodiles to predators (like monitor lizards) in exchange for protection.
Diet: Insects, crustaceans, mollusks, frogs, tadpoles, and seeds.
Family: Part of the stone-curlew/thick-knee family (Burhinidae).
Status: Least Concern (IUCN) due to large range, though nomadic in response to water levels.
