Curlews – what are they and how they inhabit Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is all about fun in the sun and quiet relaxing nights. But be warned, you may hear an eerie wail of…???

No, don’t worry, you haven’t inadvertently stumbled into a murder mystery.

It’s the unique call of Magnetic Island’s most talked about birds, the Curlews.

What are Curlews?

The Australian Curlew birds belong to the family Burhinidae, more accurately described in the Stone-Curlews.

They are nothing short of fascinating from their appearance to their nocturnal wailing that has caused more than one visitor to call the police!

These distinctive birds are medium to large with yellow eyes that some say make them look almost reptilian.

They have thick, sturdy legs – hence the nickname, Thick-knees.

They are found across Africa, Asia, and of course, Australia.

Curlews (2)
Curlews

Curlews of Magnetic Island

Bush Stone-Curlew (Burhinus grallarius)

Magnetic Island is a haven for the Bush Stone-Curlew, providing the open spaces and natural cover they need to thrive. Their cryptic plumage helps them blend into the surroundings for protection from predators making them extra difficult to spot during the day. They enjoy a meal of anything they can find on the ground like insects, molluscs, small lizards, and even small mammals. When it’s time to breed, they dance and perform to win a mate. Eggs are laid on the ground and both parents look after incubation and care of the chicks.

Beach Stone-Curlew (Esacus magnirostris)

Sadly, the Beach Stone-Curlew’s numbers are dwindling. Conservation efforts strive to ensure these birds continue to inhabit Magnetic Island. Easily distinguished from the Bush Stone-Curlew, the Beach Stone-Curlew has the same yellow eyes and chonky legs, but its plumage is less cryptic and it has a large bill that is yellow at the base with a black tip. They prefer undisturbed sandy shores, mangroves or estuaries in which to forage for mud crabs and other marine invertebrates. During breeding season, a single egg is laid on the sandbank or among the coastal vegetation.

Curlews and the island experience

To help conservation efforts to ensure all of our Stone-Curlew species thrive, it’s important to respect their habitat.

If you are lucky enough to spot one, please, keep your distance, especially from nesting areas and do not try to feed them.

Enjoy the rare treat and snap a quiet photo to commemorate the moment.

And of course, listen out at night for their distinctive and eerie calls.

Curlews Birds Magnetic Island

Come visit – you may be lucky

Curlews are a part of Magnetic Island’s character. They are the perfect reminder of the natural beauty of the area.

So, come visit but remember, when you hear that haunting cry in the night, before you call the police, was that just a Curlew?