6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus)

The water thick-knee or water dikkop (Burhinus vermiculatus) is a species of bird in the thick-knee family Burhinidae. The species is found across sub-Saharan Africa, usually close to water.

The water thick-knee has a widespread distribution in sub-Saharan Africa, being found in Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Across its range it is found on the edges of lakes, estuaries and rivers, as well as mangroves and also some sheltered beaches. It also needs bushes or nearby woodlands for shelter. It is found from sea-level to 1,800 m (5,900 ft).

The water thick-knee is a terrestrial feeder that forages at night. Although it is typically associated with water it can be found foraging up to 1 km (0.62 mi) from water. It feeds on insects, crustaceans and mollusks.

The water thick-knee generally breeds in the dry season or early rainy season. It is a monogamous breeder with both parents guarding the nest and brooding the eggs. The nest is a simple scrape in sandy or stony ground, usually close to water. The clutch size is two sandy-yellow eggs. Both sexes incubate the eggs for 22-25 days, and both are responsible for feeding the young. Unique among birds, thick-knee pairs frequently nest adjacent to and sometimes directly on top of Nile crocodile nests. The two species share a form of symbiotic mutualism with the more energetic and vocal thick-knee functioning as loud sentries for the nests as the more powerful crocodile provides protection. Should a nest raider approach, the thick-knee pair will spread their wings in a threat display and harass and peck at the intruders to drive it off. If the pair not be successful, the mother crocodile will be drawn in by their continued calls and arrive.

6-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4926-Burhinus-vermiculatus

6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus)

6-6-2019 MOREMI CAMP, BOTSWANA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

21-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus)

6-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus)

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus)

5-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus)

The Water Thick-knee, also known as the Water Dikkop (Burhinus vermiculatus), presents a striking figure with its 38 to 41 cm (15–16 in) stature and a weight range of 293–320 g (10.3–11.3 oz). This bird is characterized by a robust bill, black with a hint of yellow at the base, broad and blunt wings, and a rather short tail.

When identifying the Water Thick-knee, look for its heavy bill with a yellow base, which is quite distinctive. The wings are broad and blunt, which can be observed when the bird stretches them. The tail is short, which is noticeable when the bird is in flight or when it fans its tail feathers.

The Water Thick-knee is typically found along the edges of lakes, estuaries, and rivers. It also frequents mangroves and some sheltered beaches, often requiring nearby bushes or woodlands for shelter. Its habitat range extends from sea level up to 1,800 m (5,900 ft).

This species enjoys a widespread distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, with sightings reported in countries such as Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, and many others, all the way to South Africa.

18-4-2018 CHOBE NAT PARK, BOTSWANA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus)

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The Water Thick-knee, also known as the Water Dikkop (Burhinus vermiculatus), presents a striking figure with its 38 to 41 cm (15–16 in) stature and a weight range of 293–320 g (10.3–11.3 oz). This bird is characterized by a robust bill, black with a hint of yellow at the base, broad and blunt wings, and a rather short tail.

When identifying the Water Thick-knee, look for its heavy bill with a yellow base, which is quite distinctive. The wings are broad and blunt, which can be observed when the bird stretches them. The tail is short, which is noticeable when the bird is in flight or when it fans its tail feathers.

The Water Thick-knee is typically found along the edges of lakes, estuaries, and rivers. It also frequents mangroves and some sheltered beaches, often requiring nearby bushes or woodlands for shelter. Its habitat range extends from sea level up to 1,800 m (5,900 ft).

This species enjoys a widespread distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, with sightings reported in countries such as Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, and many others, all the way to South Africa.

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus)

The water thick-knee (Burhinus vermiculatus ), or water dikkop is a species of bird in the thick-knee family Burhinidae. The species is found across sub-Saharan Africa, usually close to water.

The water thick-knee is 38 to 41 cm (15–16 in) and weighs 293–320 g (10.3–11.3 oz). It has a heavy bill that is black with yellow at the base. The wings are broad and blunt and the tail is short.

The water thick-knee has a widespread distribution in sub-Saharan Africa, being found in Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Across its range it is found on the edges of lakes, estuaries and rivers, as well as mangroves and also some sheltered beaches. It also needs bushes or nearby woodlands for shelter. It is found from sea-level to 1,800 m (5,900 ft).

The water thick-knee is a terrestrial feeder that forages at night. Although it is typically associated with water it can be found foraging up to 1 km (0.62 mi) from water. It feeds on insects, crustaceans and mollusks.

The water thick-knee generally breeds in the dry season or early rainy season. It is a monogamous breeder. The nest is a simple scrape in sandy or stony ground, usually close to water. The clutch size is two sandy-yellow eggs. Both sexes incubate the eggs for 22-25 days, and both are responsible for feeding the young.

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus)

4-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4926-Burhinus-vermiculatus