Cape Thicknee

Scientific name:Burhinus capensis
Family: Burhinidae
Order: Charadriiformes
Class: Aves

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Burhinidae capensiss height is about 34.41cm (17 inches) and weighs about 450 grams (4.5675 oz). It is 7.2cm (15 in) long and can have a wing span between 200-245 mm (20-24.5in). The beak is short, plover-like, and colored yellow and brown. The arrow shaped head and part of the back are covered with brownish black streaks. A dark brown streak appears from under the eye to the ear covers and a white streak stretches below the eye to the cheek. White feathers surround the eyes of the bird. The upper parts of the body and wings have brown, white and black splotches. A white bar of plumage separates the wing into sections. Wings are brown and gray, tipped with black and have white edges surrounding them. The under part and the mid throat of the bird is white, and the breast is light brown with black streaks. It has greenish-gray long legs with three toed feet that are webbed, and resemble a vultures foot. The wedged shaped tail is tipped in black with some white areas on it. Both male and female look similar. As juveniles the birds look like adults except they have gray freckled wing-coverts and a slightly vermiculated tail and upper parts of the body. The special characteristics of this species include large yellow eyes and its long legs. The large yellow eyes are an adaptation to being crepuscular and nocturnal (active at night). Burhinidae capensis has long legs that appear to have thick knees coining the phrase Cape Thicknee though, the actual part that looks like a thicknee is not the knee but the heel of the foot.

DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:

There are six subspecies distributed throughout central and western sub-Sahara Africa. It camouflage well due to the brown black and white colors blending into its surroundings; in the grasslands, semi-deserts and urban areas.

BEHAVIOR:

Aggression does not seem to be a dominant trait for these birds. They are very mellow and will only move from their spot if you approach very closely. The males do become aggressive and territorial when they are protecting or defending the young. Burhinus capensis are usually quiet birds during the daytime and quite noisy during the darker hours when they are active. They have several calls, which include tche-uuu , pi pi pi pipi , whee-yu-ee and sometimes they croak. They are capable of flying but would rather walk. The rare occasion of flying long distance is usually in search of water. When the bird does fly, normally at dusk, its very high up with good rapid wing beats. Burhinus capensis flock with their own kind and tend to be monogamous. The birds rely on their camouflages to protect themselves from predators. The nesting season is generally the most vulnerable time for these birds.

DIET:

This species is an omnivore. They will feed on a range of foods including but not limited to; grass seeds, insects, small lizards, rodents, snails, crabs and even an occasional frog or two.

REPRODUCTION and GROWTH:

These birds have a variable breeding season, though it has been recorded that spring and early summer is the most favorable time for eggs to be laid. The nest is on the ground and is lined with small stones and dry plants. One to three brown and speckled oval-shaped eggs are laid in each clutch. Incubation can last 26-27 days. Both parents will help incubate the egg, though the mother tends to do most of the incubating. This species has a life span of fifteen years.

CONSERVATION STATUS:

This species is very common and is not on the International Wildlife Federation endangered species check list nor is it under the international trade and pet trade regulations.

Wild Population: unknown

(Mahalo to Leeward Community College's Zoology 101 Class for their contribution)