Water thick-knee

The water thick-knee, also known as the water dikkop, is a captivating bird belonging to the thick-knee family, Burhinidae. These birds are commonly found across sub-Saharan Africa in regions such as Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. Their preferred habitats include lakes, estuaries, rivers, mangroves, and sheltered beaches, often in proximity to bushes or woodlands for additional protection.

These birds are primarily nocturnal, becoming active after dusk to feed on insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. Breeding typically occurs during the dry or early rainy season. Water thick-knees exhibit monogamous behavior, maintaining a single mate for life. Their nests are rudimentary, consisting of shallow scrapes in sandy or stony ground near water. Each nest usually contains two sandy-yellow eggs.

Both the male and female participate in incubating the eggs, a process that lasts approximately 22-25 days, and they also share the responsibility of feeding the chicks. Adult water thick-knees measure around 38-41 cm in length and weigh between 293-320 grams. They are characterized by a distinctive appearance that includes a black bill with a yellow base, broad wings, and a short tail.