Birds I Love – The Water Thick - Knee

Discovering the Water Thick - Knee

Welcome to the captivating world of the Water Thick - Knee (Burhinus vermiculatus), a bird that graces the landscapes of sub - Saharan Africa with its unique presence.

Join me on an exploration of this remarkable species, from its widespread distribution to its intriguing behaviors and the intricate dance of life it performs in its habitat.

Across Sub - Saharan Africa: Distribution and Habitat of the Water Thick - Knee

The diverse landscapes of sub - Saharan Africa is where the Water Thick - Knee establishes its home. From Angola to Zimbabwe, this bird can be found on the edges of lakes, estuaries, and rivers, as well as in mangroves and sheltered beaches.

It has a preference for bushes and woodlands, with a perfect blend of water and terrestrial environments. Remarkably adaptable, the Water Thick - Knee is found from sea level up to 1,800 m above sea level.

A Glimpse of Elegance: Description of the Water Thick - Knee

When encountering the Water Thick – Knee you will notice it’s a bird of modest size with a length ranging from 38 to 41 cm and a weight of 293 to 320 g. It consists of a heavy bill, adorned in black with a touch of yellow at the base, broad blunt wings and a short tail, which contribute to its unique charm.

Nighttime Foraging: Unveiling the Behavior of the Water Thick - Knee

The nocturnal world of the Water Thick - Knee, a terrestrial feeder that showcases its foraging prowess at night. Despite its association with water, this bird can be found venturing up to 1 km away in search of insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.

There is a delicate balance it maintains between its dependence on water and its ability to explore beyond its aquatic borders.

Nesting Tales: Breeding Habits of the Water Thick - Knee

Water Thick – Knee’s takes centre stage during the dry or early rainy seasons. With a monogamous nature, where both parents actively guard the nest and participate in egg brooding.

Nests are simple — a scrape in sandy or stony ground, strategically located close to water. The clutch size of two sandy - yellow eggs sets the stage for a collaborative incubation period of 22 - 25 days.

Unlikely Allies: The Symbiotic Relationship with Nile Crocodiles

Water Thick-Knee's nest in close proximity to Nile Crocodile nests, reason being a symbiotic mutualism between these two species, with the vigilant Thick - Knee acting as a loud sentry for the nests while the powerful Crocodile provides protection.

In the face of nest raiders, the Thick - Knee pair rises to the occasion, spreading their wings in a threat display and using their calls to draw in the formidable mother Crocodile, this strategy is also used by Lapwings, faking an injury to lure predators away from the nest and young.

Conclusion

The Water Thick - Knee enchants us with its physical elegance and ability to navigate the delicate balance between land and water, forging unexpected alliances in the tapestry of sub - Saharan ecosystems.

Join me in celebrating the beauty and resilience of this avian marvel, and may your future birdwatching endeavors be filled with the enchanting presence of the Water Thick - Knee.

About The Author

Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.

Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.

To see more from Kyle and his bush experiences you can also view his Youtube Channel here: Kyle Grobler Photography

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The Bateleur Eagle: Click Here