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Key information: The Stone Curlew prefers open areas with low vegetation or arid fields. It is mostly active during the night or at dusk (it is a nocturnal species) and relies on camouflage to stay unnoticed. Its wailing, eerie calls at dawn and dusk are a characteristic sound of the Cypriot countryside. It is a permanent resident, but there is also a migratory population that comes to Cyprus to winter. It has big yellow eyes so it can see well in the dark. It is very sensitive to disturbance.

Length: 38 – 45 cm

Habitat: Farmland, wetlands

When they can be seen: All year round

What they eat: Reptiles, invertebrates

In Cyprus: Can be seen at Paphos Plains, Xeros Valley, Mesaoria Plains and Larnaka Salt Lakes

Status: Resident breeder, passage migrant

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis