The Senegal thick-knee (Burhinus senegalensis) is a fascinating bird found across Africa, known for its striking features and intriguing behaviors. It is also one of Aswan’s top resident birds. Here are 10 amazing facts about this remarkable species!
1. Masters of Camouflage
With their mottled brown and beige plumage, Senegal thick-knees blend seamlessly into their surroundings, making them difficult to spot during the day.
2. Big Eyes and Thick Knees
The Senegal thick-knee has huge yellow eyes (perfect for night vision) and stout legs. In fact, its common name comes from the bird’s chunky ankle joints – the “thick knees” on its pale yellow legs.
These shorebirds are streaked brown and gray above (and white below), a plumage that blends almost seamlessly into sandy riverbanks.
3. From Senegal to the Nile
Despite the name, this species isn’t limited to Senegal. It ranges across dry parts of Africa from West to East, including all along the Nile River valley. In Egypt it favours open, sandy floodplains and riverbanks.
4. Two Eggs, No Nest
Thick-knees don’t build fancy nests. Each breeding pair lays just two eggs directly on bare ground. The eggs are blotchy brownish to match the dirt, helping to hide them from predators. When the fluffy chicks hatch, they can walk and feed themselves almost immediately (a clever trick for safety).
5. Nocturnal Lifestyle
Unlike most birds, these thick-knees are primarily active at night, when they hunt for insects and small prey with incredible precision. Their big eyes and keen ears help them spot the slightest movement in low light, making twilight their favorite time to forage.
6. Loud and Vocal Calls
Despite their elusive nature, Senegal thick-knees are known for their loud, wailing calls, especially at night, which can be quite eerie.
7. Star of Egyptian Cinema
The thick-knee may not have made it into ancient hieroglyphs, but it’s a legend in Egyptian film. Doaa El Karawan (The Night Cry of the Thick-Knee), a 1959 classic starring Faten Hamama, was inspired by the bird’s mournful call. Based on a novel by Taha Hussein, the film links the bird’s cry to sorrow and justice. For many Egyptians, the thick-knee’s nighttime whistle is both haunting and poetic.
8. Impressive Wing Displays
When threatened, they spread their wings dramatically, creating an illusion of greater size to intimidate potential predators.
9. Loyal Pairs
These birds often form strong monogamous bonds, with pairs staying together for extended periods to raise their young.
10. Crucial Ecosystem Role
As insectivores, Senegal thick-knees help control insect populations, making them an essential part of their habitats.