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Photo: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source ↗
Water Thick-knee
Waterdikkop · Burhinus vermiculatus
A streaky grey-brown waterbird with big yellow eyes, perfect for its mostly night-time lifestyle. The Water Thick-knee rests quietly in the shade by day and becomes active at dusk, when its eerie, rising whistle drifts across the riverbanks. It is named for the knobbly 'knees' on its long legs and is often found near basking crocodiles.
Log your Water Thick-knee sighting — free →How to identify it
Look for the large yellow eyes and streaky camouflage, usually resting near water during the day.
Listen for its call
An eerie, far-carrying whistle that rises then falls away into the night: 'pee-pee-pee-peeee'.
Where to see it in Kruger
Look along sandy and rocky river edges, especially the Sabie, Olifants and Crocodile Rivers.
Did you know
It sometimes nests right next to crocodiles, letting the fearsome reptile help guard its eggs!
Often confused with
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